Paul Pierce Injury Update: Celtics' Forward Will Not Play Vs. Knicks

Read More: Paul Pierce (F - BOS), Mickael Pietrus (G - BOS), Sasha Pavlovic (G - BOS), New York Knicks, Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics will open the 2011-12 NBA season against the New York Knicks on Christmas Day, and they'll have to do it without Paul Pierce. The star forward announced that he will not play in the game due to a heel injury suffered during the preseason.

Pierce had not played at all during the preseason due to the injury. He had been listed as doubtful to play earlier in the week, but he traveled with the team to New York, raising optimism that he might be able to go. However, it appears that the injury was too much to push for the first game in a truncated season. Pierce told reporters that the injury is a day-to-day thing.

With Pierce sidelined, Sasha Pavlovic will likely start at small forward. The Celtics just signed Mickael Pietrus on Saturday, but he won't be ready in time to play on Sunday.

For more on the Christmas Day NBA season-opening slate, visit this StoryStream. For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Celtics, visit Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston.