Rajon Rondo Suspension: Celtics Will Be in Deep Trouble If PG Is Forced to Bench

Rajon Rondo was clearly not using his head when he bumped a referee in the Boston Celtics' Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Hawks. 

If the league suspends Rondo for his actions, the Celtics will be feeling the heat. 

Update: Michael Cunningham covers the Hawks for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and he tweeted the news about Rondo's suspension.

"

.@NBA announces #Celtics G Rajon Rondo suspended for Game 2 vs. #Hawks for making contact w/ game official

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) April 30, 2012"

In the closing minute of Game 1, Rondo was upset over a foul called on his teammate. He got in the face of the ref, received a technical, but then proceeded to continue his argument, running into the ref in the process.

Had Rondo just walked away then this whole ordeal would have never happened. If you missed the game last night, check the video below to see Rondo bumping into the ref.  

The young point guard is a vital leader for the team, and not having him on the court in the postseason would be a crushing blow to Boston. 

This isn't the first time on the year that Rondo has had a run-in with a referee. He was suspended two games just prior to the All-Star Game for tossing the ball at a ref. 

Boston lost both of the games Rondo was forced to sit out, which makes matters worse for the situation at hand right now. 

Since this is another spat with a ref, the chances of Rondo being suspended are very likely. 

His teammates are well aware he might be out, as Kevin Garnett told the Boston Globe that the Celtics will have to press on without their starting PG if he's suspended. 

"

“It affects us a lot—there goes our leader,’’ Garnett said of losing Rondo. “But, at the same time, you know, whatever the decision is, we have to be able to play without him. And we will be prepared either way." 

"

Each time Rondo played against the Hawks this season, he recorded at least a double-double, as well as one triple-double.

He will be greatly missed if he's not on the court, as it will give Atlanta a big advantage. The Hawks are already up 1-0, and taking a two- or even three-game lead won't be too difficult if Rondo isn't allowed to suit up. 

Boston can try to prep itself for life without Rondo in the next game or two, but the reality is, the Celtics will be in a deep hole if the NBA suspends Rondo. 

This incident couldn't have come at a worse time for Boston.