Celtics' Pierce to play through sprained MCL

Waltham, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Celtics star forward Paul Pierce will play through a sprained MCL in his left knee.

The Celtics revealed the injury just hours before their Game 6 matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.

Pierce has averaged 21.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists through the first five games of this Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

The 13-year veteran suffered the injury on Sunday morning during a shootaround prior to Game 4. He then reinjured the knee during the game.

Celtics officials are denying reports of any tears or bone spurs in Pierce's knee.

Boston can close out the series Thursday night at home.