(Sports Network) - Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce said there is "a great chance" that he will play Sunday in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a knee injury he sustained in the series- opener that at first appeared serious and still might be. Pierce was hurt midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 98-88 Boston victory after a collision with teammate Kendrick Perkins and had to be carried off the court. He returned a few minutes later and helped the Celtics to victory, scoring 19 of his 22 points in the final two quarters.

On Friday, Pierce said having two days off before the next game will help him get ready.

"There's a chance [I won't play]," Pierce said. "Right now, if the game was today, I probably wouldn't play. Thank goodness for the schedule.

"We'll see how I feel Sunday. I have a great threshold for pain."

Pierce underwent tests on the knee, but did not have an MRI exam, which he said won't take place until after the series ends.

"With two weeks left and six games to go, I think we can look at it after the season," Pierce added.

On the play, Lakers star Kobe Bryant drove to his right and hit a fall-away jumper. Perkins then accidentally collided with Pierce, whose knee twisted as he fell to the floor.

"I was scared," Pierce said Friday. "When you're laying there and pain going through your knee...It's not good. Once I felt the sharp pain, the worst came to mind."

Pierce is averaging 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 21 playoff games this spring.

Perkins also suffered a sprained ankle. He did not return, but will likely be available on Sunday.



Copyright 2008 The Sports Network
All rights reserved