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Pierce Game-Time Decision vs. Pistons

BOSTON (CBS) - The sliding Boston Celtics may be without their captain once again Wednesday night when they host the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden.

Paul Pierce did not participate in the team's morning shoot-around, and is a game-time decision for Wednesday night. He did not play in Boston's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night for "personal reasons." He did not travel with the team to Minnesota after tweaking his ankle against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Head coach Doc Rivers said earlier this week he expected Pierce to play against Detroit, but with Pierce sitting out of the shoot-around the odds are against that happening.

Read: Celtics-Pistons Preview

Pierce has only missed two games this season, averaging a team-high 18.8 points per game.

Center Kevin Garnett was also absent from Boston's shoot-around on Wednesday as he recovers from inflammation in his left ankle.

The Celtics currently hold a 1.5 game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks for the seventh seed in the East. They could clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday night with a win and a Philadelphia 76ers loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

View: NBA Standings

But winning without Garnett and potentially Pierce is no easy task -- even against the 25-50 Pistons.

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