Celtics' Pierce to test knee before Atlanta game

BOSTON (AP) -- Boston's Paul Pierce plans to test his injured left knee at the Celtics' shootaround before the game in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Pierce was helped off the court after scrambling for a defensive rebound with 31 seconds left in the Celtics' 100-91 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night. He was examined Tuesday before the team left for Atlanta.

Boston, the defending NBA champions, has won 15 straight games. The Celtics have a 23-2 record and are led by Pierce and Ray Allen, who each are averaging 18.6 points a game.

Coach Doc Rivers said Monday night that trainer Ed Lacerte thought Pierce would be fine.

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