Why The Boston Celtics Are In Trouble

Despite Rajon Rondo averaging a triple-double, the Boston Celtics are still scrapping and clawing in a series with the Chicago Bulls that was supposed to be a cake-walk.

That is, until Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe were lost for the playoffs

And now, despite seeing Rondo mature right before their eyes, the Celtics are still only tied with the up-and-coming Bulls at 2-2. To make matters worse, Rondo is now nursing an injury.

While he is expected to be in the starting lineup for Game 5, questions are still swirling in Boston. Forget about what happens if they end up facing the Cleveland Cavaliers or Olrando Magic later in the postseason.

The more pressing concern is, can they even get past this Chicago team?

Ben Gordon has chipped in with a 42-point performance while consistently dropping his jumper, keeping the Bulls in three of four games, while seasoned veteran Kirk Hinrich has performed admirably off the bench.

There seems to be a twist of fate showing in this series, one that Ray Allen and Paul Pierce may not be able to stop, despite the number of clutch jumpers and high-scoring games they come up with.

The truth is, they're facing a young team manned by the talented Derrick Rose, as well as young post players who have no fear, such as Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, and Aaron Gray.

Are they collectively better than Boston? No, they simply don't know any better.

The Bulls are too young and talented to have the chance to be afraid, while the Celtics are looking too old and aware to push this team aside with ease.

Truthfully, the Celtics are still a very good team without Garnett and Powe. They just aren't great.

And, as we're seeing now, when any two "good" teams are in a playoff series against each other, you might as well relegate the outcome to be a toss-up.

The series is at 2-2. We're back to square one. Both teams have guys that are hurting, tired, and nicked up.

Both squads have had "are we good enough?" moments, as well as, "we got this" moments. The momentum has come, gone, and come again, with the "come" landing in Chicago's hands for the present time.

However, all the debate, analysis, and Charles Barkley comments in the world cannot predict this outcome.

It's as simple as this: A rookie point guard is leading his average-yet-passionate team against a well-rounded group of former champions who are without their emotional leader.

So, what will it be? What will we be gathering around the television to talk about next? Another overtime game? Another double-overtime game?

Will it be Ray Allen against Ben Gordon again, or maybe Paul Pierce will take over for Boston?

No matter who the next guy is to step up for either team, it's becoming apparent that Boston's injuries are catching up with them, and the Bulls willed themselves into perfect position to capitalize.