MIAMI -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers said captain Paul Pierce will not suit up for Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat and will also sit out Wednesday's visit to New Orleans with lingering pain from a bruised right heel.

"He worked out [Monday], did some shooting [Tuesday] -- he’s feeling better, there’s no doubt about that," said Rivers. "He won’t play tomorrow, either -- it's probably safe to say that. Then we’ll wait and see, maybe the home-opener [on Friday against Detroit]."

Pierce suffered the bruise during the team's first practice session of training camp and has been sidelined since. He went through a workout Monday and experienced less soreness than he had previously after ramping up his activity, but he's still not ready to get on the floor.

Sasha Pavlovic will start again Tuesday night against the Heat.