Rajon Rondo out for year with torn ACL

Boston point guard Rajon Rondo has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, which has been confirmed by an MRI, reports ESPN Sunday. Rondo missed Sunday's game against Miami due to what was called a hyperextended knee suffered against Atlanta on Friday. However, the MRI found further damage and Rondo is all but guaranteed to be done for the season. Courtney Lee started in his place Sunday and Avery Bradley saw more time at point guard. "It's tough on everybody," Kevin Garnett said of Rondo's injury following a win over Miami Sunday. "He's becoming the heart and soul of this team"

Analysis: Rondo has officially torn his ACL, the same injury that has kept Derrick Rose out so long, and is likely done for the season. In fact, he'll have to work to get back by next year if the prognosis is as bad as it sounds. Rondo has recorded double-doubles in three of his last five games and is averaging 18.8 points, 10.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game over that span. His injury came up just before game time Sunday and his status for the rest of the season is now likely in jeopardy. When healthy, Rondo is obviously a must-start Fantasy point guard. Bradley becomes a solid pickup as he'll likely run the point for Boston moving forward.

-- CBS Sports

The Celtics' grip on the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference already was slipping.

Now they'll have to hang on without Rajon Rondo.

Boston's star point guard will miss the rest of the season and undergo surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The Celtics won without him on Sunday, beating the Miami Heat 100-98 in double overtime.

But what will the Celtics (21-23) do without him for the remaining 38 games with just a 2 1/2-game lead over the ninth-place Philadelphia 76ers?

"We'll see," coach Doc Rivers said. "Obviously, that's a blow. It's a huge blow for us."

-- Associated Press