Paul Pierce (bruised heel) is still questionable for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks. If he does play, Doc Rivers said it could be as a substitute. (ESPN Boston)

“We didn’t even ask him to [participate in practice],” said Rivers. “We won’t ask him to do anything until Saturday, so we’ll see what he can do. Then if he can play, we may play him. If he can play, we’ll play him, but we won’t press him — we may not even start him. We don’t know anything on that until Saturday.”

What does Rivers need to see on Saturday?

“If [team trainer] Eddie [Lacerte] says he can play, he can play,” said Rivers. “He won’t know any plays, but I do know when he shoots the ball, they go in. So that’s good. Really, Paul knows what we do for the most part. And if Eddie gives him clearance, he’s giving him clearance because he thinks he can play.”

I would love to hear the conversation if Rivers tells Pierce he’s coming off the bench.

“Paul, I know you’re healthy enough to play, but we’re going to use you off the bench.”

“So who’s starting?”

“Um, Sasha Pavlovic.”

I imagine mountains of laughter would ensue.