Paul Pierce Could Return Friday Versus New Jersey

In two games without captain Paul Pierce, the Celtics have managed to win, but still, the situation certainly isn't preferable.

Luckily, Pierce could be back in commission on Friday evening, according to Boston.com, when the Celtics attempt to extend their winning streak to three against New Jersey.

"I can walk on it — it's just a basic mid-foot sprain," Pierce told the Web site. "It's not the end of the world. I've had worse injuries. I didn't have to go into a boot, I'm still walking around and it's just about the pain going away. It's a sprain, but it's not the worst sprain I've ever had."

Despite Pierce's optimism, though, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers believes rest might serve Pierce better.

"He may do a shootaround [Friday] and we'll evaluate," Rivers told Boston.com, "but right now, I'm pretty sure he won't play."

As for the rumors that Pierce has a broken foot, he deems them ridiculous.

"I don't know how it got started that I had a broken foot or anything, but I guess it was good drama for half a day," he said.

Pierce also revealed that he has been invited to participate in the 3-point contest during the All-Star break, and he's in it to win it. He plans on setting up practice sessions for the event.

"My younger days, you know, I probably didn't get no sleep [during All-Star weekend]," Pierce said. "[This year], I plan on practicing for it and I plan on going out and winning it. I'm focusing on me winning it this year."