Celtics captain Paul Pierce is accustomed to carrying the team in the fourth quarter of tight games. But Pierce did not have to do any heavy lifting in the late going of the Celtics' 104-99 win over Indiana last night, which is fortunate since he is recovering from a right thumb dislocation sustained in a 93-91 loss to the Clippers Wednesday. "It's a little sore, tender," Pierce said. "I was really hesitant to really get any contact going, for the simple fact that it came out twice last game. I was a little hesitant and just being aggressive and putting myself in positions for anybody to slap at it, and it is probably going to take a few days or a week for me getting over the fact I've seen my bone or my joint come all the way out. Once I get over it psychologically, I think I'll be all right." Pruitt suspended Reserve guard Gabe Pruitt has been suspended two games for "conduct detrimental to the team," the Celtics announced yesterday. Pruitt was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Thursday morning in Hollywood following the Celtics' 93-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Pruitt, who missed the game against Indiana last night and will be out for tomorrow's game against Detroit, is set to return when the Celtics visit New Jersey Wednesday. Pruitt, 22, has played in 36 games this season. "Obviously, we're disappointed as an organization and disappointed in Gabe," coach Doc Rivers said. "But he understands the mistakes he made. He's young and he learned from those mistakes. I told him two things. You protect two things. You protect a family name first - the Pruitts; his mother and father have earned that name and earned their reputation. You have to protect the Celtic name. And you know, fortunately, no one got hurt and it's probably a great learning experience for him, but one that we would have rather stayed away from." Sick ward Guard Tony Allen hopes to return in early April. He was expected to be out for the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery for a torn tendon in his left thumb. But Allen, who twice sustained ankle injuries earlier this season and has missed 19 games, said stitches will be removed Tuesday, allowing him to resume workouts in anticipation of an early return. "I knew it was bad when it happened," Allen said. "But it's all God's plan. It's going to go for the better once it turns around, trust me." Allen was injured during practice Feb. 10, the day before the Celtics began a six-game road trip, and underwent surgery last week. Kevin Garnett (knee strain) has returned to stationary bicycle and treadmill workouts, according to Rivers. No return date has been announced for Garnett, injured in the first half of a 90-85 loss at Utah Feb. 19. The status of Brian Scalabrine (neck strain) has not been determined. "There's been no diagnosis yet on Scal, so we're just going to have to wait," Rivers said. "I think there will be more tests moving forward." Scalabrine sustained a concussion Jan. 28 against Dallas, returned to action against Utah, then was injured in the first half against Denver Monday. --

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