Clippers' Pierce suffers sprained ankle vs. Celtics

Los Angeles Clippers small forward Paul Pierce left Monday night's contest against the Boston Celtics after suffering a right ankle sprain, head coach Doc Rivers announced following the game. Rivers said the injury is not "season-threatening."

Pierce grabbed his right leg in pain after colliding with the Celtics' Jared Sullinger in the second quarter. However, he was able to walk to the locker room on his own accord, The Vertical's Chris Mannix reports. The injury was originally thought to be a right knee contusion.

The 38-year-old has already missed nine games this season and will likely add to that total over the coming days.

"I don't think it's too bad," a Clippers spokesperson told Jay King of masslive.com. "Dodged a bullet, it looks like." Coach Doc Rivers, however, said the veteran may miss time.

Pierce has struggled in his lone season with the Clippers, averaging 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds on just 34.8 percent shooting.