The Boston Celtics announced that star forward...

The Boston Celtics announced that star forward Larry Bird will not accompany the team to Portland, Me., for an exhibition game tonight against the New Jersey Nets.

Bird is still suffering lower back pain, but a team spokesman said the condition is improving. Bird, Coach K.C. Jones and team doctors made the decision after considering the 2 1/2-hour bus ride the Celtics will make to and from the game.