CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Ray Allen, Paul Pierce deal with injuries
The same injury concerns the Celtics had during their first-round playoff series have carried over into the second round.
Ray Allen (sore right ankle) and Paul Pierce (sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee) struggled through Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night, and they will not be close to full strength in Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.
Allen, who missed 17 of 22 games before returning for Game 3 of the Hawks’ series, had been making progress, but has taken a step backwards in recent days.
“This whole last week and a half,’’ said Allen before a film session on Friday afternoon, “I’ve been so day-to-day and I’ve had some great days and now I’m back to somewhat where I was two weeks ago. So I’m just working through that.’’
Allen made only 1 of 7 shots in the clinching game against the Hawks and was a stunning 8-for-14 from the foul line in the four games he played in during the series.
When asked if he would be able to go in the opener against the Sixers, Allen said, “Just see how I feel. It’s no better (than Thursday), so I’ll get treatment on it. I’ll stay off of it for the rest of the day and get rest.
“It’s very sore and achy, and with that, it gets stiff. I do what I can to loosen it up and move it around so I can get more mobility.’’
Pierce suffered his injury during a shootaround last Sunday morning and has struggled with his lift. He is wearing a brace on both knees, getting constant treatment and icing it as much as possible.
“It’s probably not going to heal until the season’s over,’’ said Pierce. “So I’m just doing the necessary steps that I can just to make sure I don’t overdo it or I put myself in position to where it could really hurt my career moving forward being at the age I am.
“But I’m confident with the way it feels that I’m capable of going out there. I feel like I can play (tonight).’’
Coach Doc Rivers said he had “concern, to be honest’’ about both players.
“The Sixers are pretty healthy right now and we’re not,’’ said Rivers. “That’s the challenge. Ray is struggling today. Paul is struggling today.’’
Avery Bradley, who made only 37 percent of his shots in the Hawks’ series, is dealing with a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder.
“It feels good, a little sore today,’’ said Bradley. “I’ll be ready (tonight). It’ll be alright. I don’t feel like it affected me that much. It definitely bothers me, but I try not to worry about it.’’
Long-time rivals: This marks the 12th time since the 76ers moved to Philadelphia in 1963 (after being the Syracuse Nationals) that they will face the Celtics in the playoffs with Boston holding a 7-4 edge. The Celtics won four of six playoff series with the Nationals.
Rivers is certain that one former Celtics player and coach will be hyped up for the renewal of the rivalry.
“Every time Tommy (Heinsohn) is around and you mention Philadelphia, the hatred comes out,’’ said Rivers. “Of all the teams, this is the team he wants to beat the most all the time.
“When you talk to Tommy on the plane, this is his target team. I’m sure he’ll be nice and calm when he’s covering the games.’’
The schedule: Game 2 is Monday night in Boston with Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Friday in Philly. Game 5 would be May 21 in Boston with Game 6 on May 23 in Philly and Game 7 at Boston on May 26.