"After trying to take a step forward Monday, Paul Pierce has moved back a few paces.

The Celtics captain was expected back for tonight's exhibition game against Toronto, but a bruised right heel will keep him out and in some question for the season opener in New York on Christmas Day.

"Paul's probably going to sit until (Friday), and then we'll see," coach Doc Rivers said yesterday.

Is he worried about the Knicks game for Pierce?

"I'm concerned now," Rivers said. "For after that, I'm not that concerned, but for the 25th, yeah, I'm concerned about it.""