BOSTON You knew sooner or later, not having Rajon Rondo in the lineup would become problematic for the Boston Celtics.
As much as you have to give Cleveland credit for almost pulling off yet another come-from-behind win on Tuesday, Rondo's absence was quite apparent in the game's latter stages.
"They really turned their defensive pressure up (in the fourth quarter), and we really struggled getting into stuff," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "E'Twaun (Moore) and Avery (Bradley) really struggled just getting us into sets."
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With tonight's opponent, Toronto, playing with a smaller lineup, Boston's youthful playmakers will once again be challenged.
"That's going to be tough," Rivers said. "They're playing the two point guards together now. So that means Ray (Allen) will have to guard one of the quick guys and that's always a concern for us."
But it's not the only concern for Rivers or the Celtics. Here are a few other issues that will likely play a role in the outcome of tonight's game, as the C's (10-10) will once again try and get over the .500 hump.