CHARLOTTE, N.C.Rough times just got rougher for the Boston Celtics who may be without Leandro Barbosa.
Barbosa, who has seen his playing time increase since Rajon Rondo's season-ending torn right ACL injury, crumbled to the ground near the end of the third quarter with a left knee injury.
The severity of the injury is unclear, but it certainly had the look of an injury that will sideline the veteran for a significantly long period of time.
The injury was severe enough to where Barbosa could not get up on his own when it happened. Instead he had to be helped off the floor by teammate and fellow native of Brazil, Fab Melo, along with team trainer Ed Lacerte.
If Barbosa is out for the remainder of the season, he would be the third Celtic player to suffer a season-ending injury in less than a month.
Rajon Rondo suffered a torn right ACL injury Jan. 25 against the Atlanta Hawks. He was taken to a nearby hospital two days later for what was supposed to be precautionary X-rays.
It was determined then that he had a torn right ACL injury and would be lost for the season - just minutes before the Celtics hosted the Miami Heat on Jan. 27.
Boston Celtics
Less than a week later, Jared Sullinger had back spasms that forced him to leave Boston's Jan. 30 game against Sacramento in the first quarter.
Two days later, he was having season-ending back surgery.