BOSTON - Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that forward Paul Pierce (knee) and guards Ray Allen (ankle) and Avery Bradley (shoulder) will all play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Allen has been battling a right ankle injury that kept him out for 11 straight games, but did return in Game 3 of the Celtics' first round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, which Boston won in five games. Allen told reporters on practice at Friday that his ankle was still touch and go, and that he felt the same as he did two weeks ago.
Pierce, meanwhile, suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee during shootaround prior to Game 4 against the Hawks. While he did not miss any games, Pierce has not looked like his usual self on the floor. As for Bradley, he suffered a left shoulder injury in the second half of Game 4, but also did not miss any time.
Tip off for Game 1 is at 8:00 p.m. EST on Saturday night at TD Garden (TNT/WEEI).
For more pregame news, listen to Doc Rivers' and Doug Collins' pregame interviews.
AUDIO: Doc Rivers Pregame (5-12-12) | AUDIO: Doug Collins Pregame (5-12-12)
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