In the past two days, New England's most celebrated right knee — and to this point, the focal point of the NBA finals — has been encased in ice, undergone electrical stimulation therapy, even had lasers fired at it.

Paul Pierce's knee has been primped, prodded and pampered like never before.

It's not 100 percent, but it's good enough.

Pierce, who sprained his knee and made a dramatic return in Boston's series-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers after being carried off the floor in the second half, said yesterday that he will "definitely" play in Game 2 today.

"Once those lights come on and the popcorn starts popping, I'll be ready," declared the Celtics' All-Star forward and captain.

Wearing a black elastic brace and white sleeve over his injury, Pierce reported that his knee was less swollen. He's still not able to bend it the way he'd like, but Pierce feels with another 24 hours of rest and treatment that he'll be able to start.

How effective he'll be is another story.

"Knowing my threshold of pain, to go out there and play shouldn't be a problem," said Pierce, who only planned to shoot free throws and walk through some plays yesterday. "It should be something I should be able to do."

Celtics center Kendrick Perkins also expects to be in the starting lineup after spraining his left ankle in Game 1.

Following his news conference, Pierce walked gingerly toward the court in TD Banknorth Garden with only the slightest sign of a limp.

SUNS

PORTER HIRED AS COACH

Terry Porter will be Phoenix's next coach, ending the club's monthlong search for a successor to Mike D'Antoni.

Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr said yesterday he had agreed to terms with Porter, who was an assistant with the Detroit Pistons.

The 45-year-old Porter played in the NBA for 17 seasons and teamed with Kerr in San Antonio.

"He's got a great combination of leadership skills," Kerr said in a telephone interview. "He's a great communicator. And his coaching experience, two years as a head coach, is important to me. The fact that he's sat in that chair, that was a key factor. He's very tough-minded."

Porter is expected to sign a three-year deal worth about $7 million, and he likely will be introduced at a news conference early next week.

Last week, Kerr said the list of candidates had been pared to four — Porter and assistants Elston Turner of Houston, Tyrone Corbin of Utah and Mike Budenholzer of San Antonio.

Porter was the only one with head coaching experience, with two seasons at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks.

NBA FINALS

All games at 3 p.m. Hawai'i time

(Best-of-7)

Boston vs. L.A. Lakers

Boston leads series 1-0

June 5: Boston 98, L.A. Lakers 88

Today: L.A. Lakers at Boston

Tuesday: Boston at L.A. Lakers

Thursday: Boston at L.A. Lakers

Sunday, June 15: Boston at L.A. Lakers, if necessary

Tuesday, June 17: L.A. Lakers at Boston, if necessary

Thursday, June 19: L.A. Lakers at Boston, if necessary