"Paul Pierce went through a rather lengthy shooting session yesterday, but his bruised right heel again prevented him from taking part in the practice that preceded it.

And the Celtics captain is not expected to work out with the team today either, leaving his availability for Sunday's season opener in New York perhaps even more in question.

"We won't ask him to do anything until (tomorrow) and see what he can do," said Doc Rivers after a practice that lasted close to three hours. "And then if he can play (against the Knicks), we may play him. If he can play, we'll play him. We may not even start him. But we don't know any of that until (tomorrow).""