With Paul Pierce's heel injury leaving his status for Christmas Day up in the air, Marquis Daniels might get a start in that one.

Sasha Pavlovic is starting in Wednesday's preseason game, but it sounds like Daniels would likely get the call for the real deal. Just something to keep in mind, especially if you own Pierce and his bum heel.

Free agent swingman Marquis Daniels is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Celtics.

Daniels can play SF, SG, and even PG, giving Boston some much needed versatility and scoring off the bench. He was derailed by a serious neck injury last year, and was eventually traded, but he's healthy and should slide into a reliable bench role with the Cs. Don't look to him for fantasy value while the starters are healthy.

The Celtics are close to signing Marquis Daniels.

Daniels was dealt to Sacramento last season following a very scary back injury, but he's fully recovered and ready to contribute. Given his familiarity with the team's system and his cheap cost, Daniels' signing shouldn't come as a surprise.

Free agent swingman Marquis Daniels' "has been discussed" by the Celtics.

Right now it seems there are too many options and variables to really know how Boston will approach free agency, but their interest in the veteran Daniels isn't very surprising. Before his scary injury last year, he was effectively shoring up the Celtics' bench at SG, SF, and even PG.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe speculates that Marquis Daniels could be the Celtics' free agent target when transactions resume.

Daniels was dealt to the Kings after a season-ending spinal injury in February, but it appears that the Celtics could have an interest in bringing him back into the fold. He wouldn't see significant playing time if the team re-signs Jeff Green behind Paul Pierce, but he'd be a reliable insurance policy and is a veteran that knows Doc Rivers' system.

According to agent Mark Bartelstein, Marquis Daniels has resumed working out after spinal surgery.

Pretty amazing stuff considering the scary moment on the court just six months ago. Daniels bruised his spinal cord against the Orlando Magic back in February and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, but it appears that he's healing nicely and remains determined to play in the NBA next season. He should be able to find a spot on the bench of some club, but he'll likely have to settle for the veteran's minimum in an effort to prove his health. A lengthy lockout could be good for his recovery, but he likely won't be a fantasy commodity regardless of where he lands.

Marquis Daniels will "definitely" be able to play next season despite having spinal surgery.

Daniels is 6'6" but has the ball-handling skills to play backup PG, and will certainly find a team willing to sign him if he's healthy. The Celtics may be interested in re-signing him, but as usual the prospect of a lockout is complicating future plans.

Marquis Daniels (spinal surgery) is expecting to be cleared for full workouts on June 28.

Daniels underwent surgery on March 31 to open space in his spinal canal following his Feb. 6 collision with Gilbert Arenas. He should be fine for training camp, but the free agent will likely be looking for a new team. The veteran free agent doesn't fit in the Kings' crowded swingman rotation.

Marquis Daniels is scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday, March 30th to correct issues related to his spinal cord injury suffered in February.

He's been having numbness ever since the injury and the hopes are that this surgery will help alleviate these symptoms. At this point everyone's hoping for a quick recovery and hopefully a return to the basketball court.

Marquis Daniels waived his no trade clause and the Kings waived a physical making the trade to Sacramento official.

It's unclear as of yet what the Kings intend to do with Daniels. At this point he's probably more concerned with getting healthy.

Sacramento has acquired Marquis Daniels from the Boston Celtics for cash considerations in what is certainly a salary cap move for the Kings.

Daniels is likely done for the year with a spinal cord injury and the Kings needed to add salary or face a financial penalty. This move also frees up space for the Celtics to pursue one of the many players soon to be released by teams buying out contracts.

In a recent interview Celtics GM Danny Ainge shared that Marquis Daniels is likely to have surgery to address his spinal injury.

This move would end the season for Daniels but make it more likely that he will play in the NBA again.

Marquis Daniels has met with several doctors regarding his spinal cord injury but has received differing thoughts on the extent of the injury.

It's too early to tell just how long he will be out. Meanwhile keep an eye on the Celtics to possibly make a move before the trade deadline to provide some more depth to their roster.

Marquis Daniels is expected to meet with spinal specialists this week before undergoing further tests on his bruised spinal cord.

"All I know right now is that you're not going to see Marquis for a while," said coach Doc Rivers. His absence puts more pressure on guys like Von Wafer and Nate Robinson, and leaves the Celtics without a legitimate backup small forward.

Marquis Daniels (bruised spine) was released from the hospital early on Monday.

Daniels faces a lengthy rehab that will sideline him for a month or more, but he was in good spirits and has fortunately avoided what could have been a horrible spinal injury.

Marquis Daniels is expected to miss at least a month after suffering a spinal cord injury during Sunday's game.

Daniels suffered the injury after colliding with Gilbert Arenas while in a vulnerable position. The crowd was dead quiet as Daniels lay on the court without moving for several minutes. He had to be carried off the court on a stretcher and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with a bruised spinal cord.

Marquis Daniels was carried off the court on a stretcher after a head-first collision with Gilbert Arenas during Sunday afternoon's game.

Daniels rammed into Arenas and crumpled immediately to the floor. He lay on the floor without moving for a few minutes but was able to give a thumbs up to the crowd as he was being carried out. Initial thoughts are that this is a neck injury, but as of yet there is no official word.

Marquis Daniels (personal) will play against the Blazers Thursday.

Daniels missed Tuesday's win over the Cavs, but met the team in Portland. He'll be ready for 20 minutes or so off the bench.

Marquis Daniels will miss Tuesday's game for personal reasons.

He left the team on Monday and should be considered day-to-day, although he is expected to join the team in Portland for their next game.

Marquis Daniels left the Celtics on Monday to deal with a "family issue" and he is questionable to return in time for Tuesday's game.

Daniels' odds of playing are '50-50' at the moment, and Glen Davis even played some SF in practice to simulate his absence.