Paul Pierce should take a few days off if his thumb isn't feeling any better than it was the other night.

“It’s a little banged up right now, so it’s something I’m going to think about — taking a few days off and letting it heal,” said Pierce. “It’s really affecting my game and my shot over the last few days. It’s definitely something I’ll consider with coach [Rivers on Tuesday] morning — getting it a few days off to rest it.”

When asked about how long his layoff could potentially be, Pierce wouldn’t give an exact timeframe. Actually, he couldn’t even say whether he’d miss tonight’s game against the New York Knicks — though SI’s Ian Thomsen seems to think he could miss a week. (Boston Herald)

“Nothing special [for treatment], just rest and ice over the last few days,” said Pierce. “Once the swelling goes down, and I get some mobility in it, I’ll be ready.”[...]

“It’s getting better, but the swelling is still there,” said Pierce. “It’s affecting my shooting and catching the ball. I think after a few days we’ll just take it day to day.”

The Celtics play the New York Knicks tonight, a game Pierce could very well miss and probably be okay with. But Lebron James rolls into town on Thursday, as do the rest of his East-leading Cavaliers and the bright lights of a nationally televised game. If you think Pierce wants to miss a showdown with Lebron, you’re nuts. He doesn’t want to miss a game, period. (Boston Herald)

“It’s tough because I’m a competitor,” Pierce said. “I like to be out there and help my team, but I think the most important thing is just being out there healthy.”

He’s right. The most important thing is definitely his health. But I have a feeling his competitiveness might get in the way, especially with the Cavs matchup looming.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kelly Dwyer broke it down nicely. If Pierce takes a week or so break, it’s possible the Celtics lose a few games. In a tight race for the first four spots in the Eastern Conference, every win could be essential for homecourt. Hell, even Toronto is only 4 1/2 games back of Boston, potentially threatening to overtake the Celtics for first place in the Atlantic Division.

But winning the Atlantic Division isn’t the most important thing. Neither is earning homecourt. If the Celtics have a healthy roster, they’re talented and experienced enough to beat anybody, anywhere, at any time.

But if they aren’t healthy…

Pierce, do me a favor. If your thumb doesn’t feel any better by tonight, take it, stick it in a bag of ice, and leave it there for a week or so. In your absence, Boston might lose some of the momentum it gained over the recent road trip. The C’s might even lose a couple games.

But it will be worth it in the end.