How can the Celtics get back in the series?

                                                   (Photo courtesy of hoops habit.com)

The Boston Celtics have looked completely outmatched in the first two games of their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics came out slow in game one, but were able to come back and make the game close before falling in a 102-101 loss. The Celtics once again came out to a slow start in game two, but were not able to bounce back like they did in game one and eventually lost 72-89 in a lopsided game.

Surely, the absence of Avery Bradley has effected this team. Still, Bradley is not a superstar scorer, so the Celtics offensive lull is still viewed as unacceptable by many. The burden will now fall on the rotation of Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, and R.J. Hunter to produce in Bradley's absence. The trio did not perform well in game two.

Smart brings great defensive intensity to the Celtics, but defense is not what the team is lacking at this point in the season. Smart shot the lowest shooting percentage amongst all qualifying players this year. He is aggressive on offense, but is a streaky scorer that can not always be depended on.

Rozier is similar to Smart. His jump shot is a little better than Smart's at times, but he is not as skilled at getting to the rim aggressively. He is a decent defensive player, but is not on the level of Smart. Still, Rozier had an impressive, scrappy performance in game two and should expect to see more minutes in game three.

Hunter will most likely be the odd man out. He has a better three point stroke than Smart and Rozier, but can be a liability on the defensive end of the court. Look for him to play a limited role, but still hit some important shots in game three

Also keep an eye on Jae Crowder. He has had a career year thus far, but has struggled greatly since coming back from his high ankle sprain. Some offensive production from Crowder could help the Celtics compete.