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Paul Pierce says he’s close, expect him to play Friday

Boston Celtics v Orlando Magic, Game 4

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 10: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics complains to the ref while playing against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Paul Pierce

Marc Serota

Expect to see Paul Pierce back in a Celtics uniform when they take on the Pistons Friday.

Nothing is official yet, but that has been the rumor for a while. Then came this tweet from Pierce on Thursday:

I’m close very very close very

Celtics fans will forgive the odd grammar if he gets back on the court and stops the 0-3 slide.

On the flip side, Pierce said later he was “here to bowl” so maybe he was playing, but it didn’t feel like it (the tweets were a ways apart).

Thing is, offense has not been the Celtics problem so far, that has been there defense — teams are shooting 49.6 percent against Boston so far, second worst in the league. Maybe that is rust from the condensed training camp and reduced exhibition games, but they had better get that end of the court squared away fast or Pierce will prove not to be the answer.