Paul Pierce will play against Pistons

Pierce's back. Pierce. Is. back. Get it?

Paul Pierce told reporters he will return from a sprained thumb to play against the Detroit Pistons. (ESPNBoston)

“I feel great,” said Pierce, who wore tape over his right thumb and wrist. “I had a chance to get out here and it really felt good getting up and down the court. I wanted to make I could catch, dribble, and shoot without pain. It felt great.”

His return will be welcomed by a floundering team that needs a whole lot more than just its leading scorer.