USA - Pierce hospitalised with elbow complaint

BOSTON (NBA) - Team USA swingman Paul Pierce was hospitalised on Tuesday to have fluids drained from his left elbow, the Boston Celtics announced on Wednesday.

Pierce, 29 had his elbow lanced and drained by team physician Dr Brian McKeon at New England Baptist Hospital.

The Celtics did not disclose medical reasons for the procedure, but the Boston Globe reported Wednesday on its web site that Pierce was suffering from an infection.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers told the newspaper that Pierce is likely to be sidelined until after the All-Star break.

"It just somehow got infected," Rivers said. "It's one of those things. I don't know yet, but this pretty much does in any chance of coming back before the All-Star break. That would be my guess."

The elbow ailment marks the latest setback in what has been a lost season for Pierce, who has been out since December 20 with a stress reaction in his left foot.

Boston are just 2-22 without Pierce and are currently mired in a franchise-record 16-game losing streak.

The 6ft 6in Pierce has appeared in 24 games this season, averaging team highs of 26.6 points and 4.3 assists along with 7.4 rebounds.

Tuesday's procedure constitutes the second time in the last seven months that Pierce had his left elbow worked on.

He underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in August to repair swollen joints.

A five-time All-Star, Pierce has averaged 23.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in nine seasons, all with the Celtics. He had missed a total of just eight games over his previous six campaigns.

PA Sport