Paul Pierce ruled out with bruised knee against Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce was a late scratch Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of a bruised knee.

Pierce knocked knees with a Golden State defender in the closing seconds of a loss on Tuesday night, but coach Randy Wittman said before the game against the Wolves that he expected his veteran to be available.

Pierce tried to warmup before the game, but left the court wincing with discomfort and was scratched. Otto Porter took his place in the starting lineup.

The injury prevented Pierce from playing against close friend Kevin Garnett in KG's return to Minnesota. Garnett was acquired from Brooklyn in a trade last week, bringing him back to the place he played his first 12 seasons.