The Celtics captain, who rebounded to score 21 points in the second half of the 103-94 win, is expected to miss two weeks after undergoing minor right knee surgery on Wednesday, according to Boston.com. Pierce had an infection drained at New England Baptist Hospital.
"Paul felt fine after the game," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told the Web site. "He felt great. A few hours later there was swelling and pain, and so they put him through some tests this morning. Then, they went in and they felt like they needed to clean out the infection. It's nothing structural, and it's a guess, but they are saying two weeks."
The news isn't welcome for a Celtics squad that was without Kevin Garnett for Wednesday's game because of a mild thigh bruise — although the team has indicated that Garnett may be good to go for the C's Christmas Day matchup against Orlando.
"I don't know when for KG," Ainge said. "He may play, but it will be a game-time decision Friday. I think he's fine — it's not anything structural. He wanted to play [Tuesday] night, but we're being cautious."
Pierce has been one of Boston's biggest offensive catalysts this season, averaging 22.7 points and 3.9 assists in 37.5 minutes per game.
"I'm always worried when a player gets hurt," Ainge said, "but the good news is there was no structural damage."
Bill Walker was called up from the Maine Red Claws to replace Pierce.
