EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Boston Celtics swingman Paul Pierce will miss the final two preseason games because of an infected middle finger on his left hand.
Pierce, who averaged 26.8 points last season, returned to Boston on Tuesday and was treated with antibiotics at a Massachusetts hospital, coach Doc Rivers said before the Celtics dropped a 109-107 decision to the Nets in New Jersey.
Pierce was to return to the hospital for further treatment on Wednesday, Rivers said.
The Celtics play their final preseason game at home on Wednesday night against Toronto.
Rivers said Pierce’s infection developed from a recent paper cut that appeared to heal. It was not bothering him on Monday.
Overnight, the finger became painful and Pierce told trainer Eddie Lacerte, Rivers said. Someone threw Pierce a ball on Tuesday morning and it caused a tremendous amount of pain. Pierce was then sent home.
Celtics guard Delonte West needed four days to get over a recent infected toe.
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