After losing Game 6 in triple overtime to the Chicago Bulls last week, Celtics captain Paul Pierce looked and acted tired. Pierce barely caught up to Joakim Noah to commit his sixth personal foul, his expression indicating he might not be able to take another step.

But, after the Celtics settled the first-round playoff series with a 109-99 victory over the Bulls Saturday night, Pierce and his teammates seemed rejuvenated. The body language said they were ready for Round 2.

The series was a knock-down, drag-out affair, the longest in NBA history in terms of playing time - four games involving seven overtime periods, the average length of the games stretching to 3 hours 5 minutes.

Both teams have scars to verify the physicality of the games. Pierce was playing with stitches in his nose which restricted his breathing. The effects of long minutes have yet to be manifested. So the Celtics might not be expected to be as fresh tonight in Game 1 tonight as they seemed Saturday night.

But, the Celtics are human. Like any competitors, they are subject to psychosomatics. Bruises and bumps cause them to limp into the locker room after losses. Fatigue is easily forgotten after victories.

Just how tired can the Celtics be expected to be?

``They've got to be exhausted,'' coach Doc Rivers said after Game 7. ``But they'll have [yesterday] off, so they'll be fine.''

The Celtics have the image of a banged-up, veteran team. But the reality is, their most important player, Kevin Garnett (knee), and key reserve, Leon Powe (knee), are out. Everyone else seems to be going at nearly full speed.

``Well, it's similar to last year,'' Pierce said. ``I mean, we never got a break in the playoff series last year. For me, I'd rather keep playing, anyway. I think you get three, four days off, you kind of lose it a little bit. Hey, just like the regular season - you play every other day. Let's keep it going.''

Time to go

Orlando's Dwight Howard is well rested, having been suspended for Game 6 Thursday in Philadelphia - sitting in his hotel suite Tweeting to fans - while the Magic finished off the Sixers, 114-89, the first time they cracked 100 in 13 games.

``It's our time now,'' said Howard after practice yesterday. ``Adding me back to the mix, and our guys know we can win a championship. We want to go through the defending champs.''

The Magic also were without shooting guard Courtney Lee, who will miss at least Game 1 after needing surgery to repair a cracked sinus cavity, an injury incurred when Howard hit him with an elbow in Game 5. Coach Stan Van Gundy said Saturday that he doesn't expect Lee back soon. The Magic will start J.J. Redick in Lee's stead.

Second wind

For the first time in 13 NBA seasons, Stephon Marbury advanced into the second round. ``For me, it's great getting out of the first round and getting the monkey off of my back,'' Marbury said. ``Going into the second round is like a breath of fresh air. Going into the second round, this situation is totally different. I even feel different.''

Globe correspondent Tim Povtak contributed to this report. Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa @globe.com.