Pierce expects to play against Garnett on Wednesday despite banging knee

As if Kevin Garnett's ceremonious return to the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn't enough on its own, Wednesday also marks a showdown between Garnett and former teammate Paul Pierce.

The latter appeared injured at the end of the Washington Wizards' loss on Tuesday, as Pierce hit the floor after banging knees with Draymond Green and had to be helped off the floor by teammates.

While he looked to be in a great deal of pain, Pierce said after the game that he expects to play Wednesday.

"Can't break steel," Pierce said.

Pierce isn't far off in his evaluation of his durability. Even at age 37, he's only missed three games this year, and he hasn't missed more than 11 games in a season since 2006-07.

The pull for Pierce to play is obvious, as he and Garnett won a championship together with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and spent seven seasons together between the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. 

Pierce left the Nets as a free agent this summer to sign with the Wizards, and the two pals have already squared off twice since, splitting two games.

Prior to joining forces, Pierce and Garnett played against each other 19 times, and Wednesday would mark their 20th regular-season meeting. Garnett holds a 10-9 edge to date, with the two Hall of Famers owning nearly identical scoring rates against each other - Garnett has averaged 22.2 points, Pierce 22.1.