BOSTON - Paul Pierce was fully expecting to be in the lineup Sunday, when the Boston Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Pierce sprained his right knee when he collided with teammate Kendrick Perkins midway through the third quarter of Game 1 Thursday night. He was taken off the court in a wheelchair before making a dramatic return later in the quarter.

Pierce sparked the Celtics to a 98-88 win by scoring 15 points in the third period -- including back-to-back three-pointers -- after his return.