The Boston Celtics are in a hole. They're down 1-0 in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Atlanta Hawks, and they'll have to brave Game 2 of the series on Tuesday without point guard Rajon Rondo. He was suspended for one game for making contact with an official in Game 1, from which he was ejected. The Celtics are a respectable 8-5 this season when Rondo doesn't play, but they're still a considerably worse team without him on the floor.
NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Hawks Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
If the Boston Celtics are going to avoid going down 2-0 in their series against the Atlanta Hawks, they’re going to have to do it without Rajon Rondo, and probably without Ray Allen.
Before he was ejected, Rondo was having a great game with 20 points and 11 assists. With him out on Tuesday, the Celtics will rely on Avery Bradley to handle the ball more often, while Keyon Dooling will probably see more minutes in Game 2 than he did in Game 1. Mickael Pietrus is expected to enter the starting lineup in place of Rondo, with Bradley shifting to the point.
Both teams are also dealing with serious injury issues. Al Horford is not available for Game 2 and isn't expected to play in the first round of the playoffs. Zaza Pachulia, who sat out Game 1, will be a game-time decision before Game 2. Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen is also doubtful for Game 2, but could return at some point during the series.
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Ga.
TV: NBA TV
For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.
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