I'm sure many of us were somewhat hopeful that Paul Pierce might return earlier than expected - based on his history of playing through pain - but don't hold out too much hope that we'll see him on this west coast swing. Via the Globe:
Though Pierce could make the trip West on his own, it is "highly doubtful" he will do so, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in a text message Saturday.
Ainge said Pierce's return is not expected before the Celtics play host to Toronto Jan. 2.
As for Kevin Garnett, who hit his head rather hard in a nasty fall in the final minutes of Friday's win over Orlando, there haven't been any further developments on his status besides his words following the fall:
"I’m OK,’’ Garnett said after the game. "I’ve had harder falls. I’m just glad we won, to be honest. I’m sure I’ll feel it in the morning. But for now, I’m all right.’’
I'm under the assumption that no news is good news in this case. There haven't been any reports that Garnett might miss tonight's game against the Clippers - despite his fall on Friday or the thigh bruise that kept him out against the Pacers last Tuesday - so all signs point to him being in the lineup tonight. If any news breaks on this front as the day wears on, we'll let you know.