Rumors of Paul Pierce’s demise were greatly exaggerated.

Instead of a possible broken left foot, he is dealing well with a strain and likely will return when the Celtics host Orlando on Sunday.

And Pierce definitely is looking forward to being in the 3-point shootout at All-Star Weekend next Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

“He may do a shootaround (today), and we’ll evaluate,” said coach Doc Rivers, “but right now I’m pretty sure he’s not going to play (tonight against New Jersey).”

Pierce, who was hurt Monday in Washington, said he could probably play against the Nets were it a playoff game.

“I’m just going by how it feels,” he said. “The good thing about it is it’s gotten better every day. I’m just taking it a day at a time until I know it’s right.”

“It’s just a basic mid-foot sprain. It’s not the end of the world. I’ve had worse injuries. I didn’t have to go into a boot. I’m still walking around on it. It’s just about the pain going away. It’s a sprain, but it’s not the worst sprain I’ve ever had.”