BIRMINGHAM, Mich.Avery Bradley's status for tonight's game against Detroit is still up in the air, though the 6-foot-2 guard planned to participate in the team's morning shootaround.
To what extent was unclear.
One thing is clear: He's going to do whatever he can to get back on the floor, possibly as early as tonight.
"I think it's really Avery's call," said coach Doc Rivers. "It's a pain-tolerance thing. And that's a very painful injury. My guess is he's not playing, but he's going to try to work out today."
Bradley did not play in Boston's 100-99 overtime loss to Chicago on Friday because of a rib injury suffered in the C's 90-78 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday.
"It's still a little sore," Bradley said prior to this morning's shootaround. "I'll find out closer to the game if I'm going to play tonight or not."
He said the injury occurred when he took a blow from Hornets center Robin Lopez on Wednesday.
Boston Celtics
"I lost my breath, got hit in my . . . ribs, like the end of the game," Bradley recalled. "At first it hurt, but the adrenaline kept me going until I sat down on the bench and I felt it. And later on in the night, I could really feel it."
The injury is just the latest in what has been an injury-plagued career for Bradley, who is in his third seasonall with the Celtics, and all involving him missing some games due to an injury.
He has played in just eight games this season after missing the first 30 while recovering from surgery to both shoulders.
"Very frustrating" is how Bradley describes his latest setback.
"I already missed a lot of games this year. Not to be able to help my team is frustrating."
But the way Bradley plays to some degree makes him more susceptible to suffering injuries that can sideline him for a period of time.
While his current injuty may not necessarily fall into that category, Bradley does acknowledge that he may have to modify his game somewhat in order to stay healthier for more extended periods of time.
"Definitely, I feel as I get older I'll be able to pick my spots; be able to protect myself more so I don't get injured as much."
Teammate Jason Terry thinks Bradley doesn't need to modify is game but rather, his in-game attire.
"For him, he just has to play with padding, like Rajon Rondo," Terry said. "Ribs, shins, elbows, sleeves . . . because that's his game, going all-out. I think he should make that adjustment before he does anything else. But don't change your game; play the same way."
Added Rivers: "He'll probably be a guy that's injured. He'll miss some games but he'll get better at it and play a lot of games. He'll miss a couple games a year. But you want him to play the way he plays. That's what makes him effective."