T. Allen

WALTHAM, Mass. — Let’s play ball.

That was the mood of the Boston Celtics yesterday, two days before the start of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

“We’re ready,” Paul Pierce said yesterday after practice. “These days are what we needed … and it’s nice to have a couple more days to tweak things, but we’re ready.”

After a weekend off to savor their triumph over Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals, the Celtics practiced for almost three hours Monday and close to two hours yesterday at their Sports Authority training center.

Today, the focus shifts to TD Banknorth Garden, where they will meet the press and have a light workout. The Lakers will also practice there today and meet the media for the first time in these playoffs.

About the only news out of the Boston camp yesterday was that reserve guard Tony Allen practiced. He had been sidelined for six days with an ankle injury.

“I got the treatment I needed, and I practiced today,” Allen said, adding that he made a couple of moves that he hoped would win over the coaching staff.

“It’s a miracle,” coach Doc Rivers said with a laugh.

Asked to elaborate on Allen’s status for Game One, Rivers paused and said, “He’s starting!”

He was kidding, of course.

“He’s good. I mean, I don’t know. We’ll find out. The tough part, now that he’s practiced, is tomorrow. He may not be able to walk,” the coach added, still laughing.

Allen described the injury as a strained Achilles tendon.

mszostak@projo.com