Clippers' Pierce to miss season opener vs. Blazers
Los Angeles Clippers small forward Paul Pierce will miss the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach Doc Rivers told Dan Woike of the Orange County Register.
The 39-year-old has been held out of the lineup since suffering a sprained ankle Tuesday.
The 6-foot-7 forward is coming off his worst season as a pro, averaging career-lows in points (6.1), rebounds (2.7), and assists (one) during his first season in Los Angeles.
The Clippers are thin at small forward, with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute dealing with an injury of his own. Rivers has yet to name a starter, but could give the role to Mbah a Moute should he be ready for Thursday.
Pierce said earlier this month he plans to retire with the Boston Celtics at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.