National Basketball Association

Celtics F Pierce out for personal reasons

Published Apr. 2, 2013 1:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce did not travel with the team for Monday's game against Minnesota due to what the team called personal reasons.

Coach Doc Rivers says he doesn't expect Pierce to be out any extended period. It's just the second game Pierce has missed this season, and his banged-up Celtics could certainly use him. Boston lost six of its previous eight games heading into Minnesota, with the playoffs fast approaching.

Kevin Garnett also missed the game against his former team with inflammation in his left ankle and Rajon Rondo has been out since the end of January with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Rivers started Courtney Lee in Pierce's place against the Timberwolves.