Pierce forgoes practice

ATLANTA -- Doc Rivers shares a philosophy on injured players with Patriots coach Bill Belichick: out of sight, out of mind.

"See who is playing more than who is not playing. That's always been a thing with me," said Rivers, whose Celtics are still without Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, and Delonte West. "I think it works if they focus on each other rather than the guys sitting."

That's why Pierce, the only one of the three joining the team on a road trip that concludes tonight against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena, wasn't among the onlookers watching practice yesterday at Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College. Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge had said Friday that Pierce (left elbow) was making the trip to get practice time.

"He was supposed to, but he just felt like his arm wasn't right, so I said, 'Don't do anything. Just stay in the room,' " said Rivers, who added that Pierce did conditioning at the team hotel.

Rivers said there was no news on Jefferson (bruised left knee) and only bad news on West (sprained left ankle), who will likely miss tomorrow's game at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as well. West hurt the ankle last Wednesday against the Bucks.

"Delonte heals faster when you're in front of him because once he sees the guys, he wants to play, so there is a chance," said Rivers. "If it's close, he won't play."

With a day off Thursday, Rivers said the team could use it to evaluate West and possibly Jefferson. At that point, there would be only four games left in the season. But the Celtics are down to eight players, so Rivers will wait before shutting down any of the three for the season.

"I just think if you can play, you should always play," said Rivers. "If you're injured, you shouldn't play. If you can get injured because of the injury, you shouldn't play, but by not playing, you might injure one of [your teammates] because of the minutes and the time."

Rivers, who has one year remaining on his deal, recently campaigned for a contract extension. According to a story in yesterday's Herald, he's going to get one. The story said the team was ready to offer Rivers an extension following the season, but according to a team source, no such decision has been reached, nor will one be until Ainge and Rivers have a chance to sit down after the season. When asked about the story, Rivers said, "I'm not going to say anything about it. I don't want to. This situation will take care of itself. We have a great GM and great ownership. I'm not concerned."

Ryan Gomes had a large ice wrap on his right wrist following practice, but said he should be available tonight. Gomes, who also said he was receiving treatment for a sore back, was injured during a collision with Pacers forward Shawne Williams Saturday night. Adding insult to injury, he was whistled for a charge on the play. Gomes said he probably wouldn't consider playing if the Celtics weren't down to just eight players. "It is my shooting hand, but I just have to go out there and play," said Gomes. "We already are shorthanded. I'll get out there before the game and see what I can do. If I can't go up and down, I just have to let the trainer and the coach know."

Kendrick Perkins, who played 19 minutes against the Pacers despite a 101-degree temperature, reported that he felt much better yesterday. Perkins, who said he still has a little stomach bug, was able to participate in the entire practice and he's a go tonight . . . Forward Josh Smith won't be in uniform for Atlanta tonight. The Hawks suspended him yesterday for two games without pay after a profanity-laden tirade at coach Mike Woodson during a 109-104 overtime loss in Philadelphia Sunday . . . Rivers said he's rooting for 10-day signee Kevinn Pinkney to catch on in the league. "If he's not with us, if I can somehow get him on another team next year because he plays well and we can put him on a good place on the floor, then I'm the happiest guy on earth," said Rivers, "as long as he doesn't come back and haunt us."

Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com.