The Boston Celtics announced Thursday that Paul Pierce has a sprained MCL but is still expected to play in Thursday night's Game 6 as the Celtics look to close out the Atlanta Hawks at the TD Garden.
Pierce injured himself while dribbling during the team's shootaround prior to Sunday's Game 4. He had 24 points in fewer than 17 minutes Sunday while dealing with the injury, but looked considerably slower two days later in Game 5 while notching 16 points on 17 field goal attempts.
A number of other Celtics are banged up, including Avery Bradley (sore rotator cuff) and Ray Allen (bone spurs in his ankle). But all 15 Celtics are expected to be available for the fourth straight outing in Game 6.
For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, follow our stream. For Celtics coverage, visit our team page and CelticsBlog. Visit Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta for Hawks coverage.