Paul Pierce
Nets swingman Paul Pierce, expected to be out 2-4 weeks when he broke the third metacarpal bone in his right hand 10 days ago, might return early and play in Tuesday’s game against the Celtics after practicing Monday, according to reports out of Brooklyn.
Pierce said there’s “a good chance” he’ll play vs. his former team after testing his injury.
Point guard Deron Williams, out since Nov. 20 with a sprained ankle, also practiced Monday.
The Nets are 6-14 and coming off a 90-82 victory over the Bucks, as they rebounded from a 30-point loss at home to the Knicks on Thursday.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have won three straight and are coming off a 41-point victory over the Knicks. Boston is in first place in the woeful Atlantic Division with a record of 10-12.