Rajon Rondo’s out, Ray Allen’s out and the Boston Celtics already face a 1-0 series deficit against the Atlanta Hawks. The year of adversity continues for the Celtics tonight as they try to climb yet one more obstacle. Whether it’s a heart issue, season-ending injury, trade rumor or suspension, the Celtics have found a way this season to march on despite an avalanche of setbacks.

The latest setback brings Mickael Pietrus into the starting lineup, makes Paul Pierce’s performance paramount and leaves Keyon Dooling as the bench’s premier scorer. So naturally, I expect the Celtics to win by double figures. There’s just something about this team. They fall to the ground, scrape their knees and — instead of asking for a band-aid or rubbing alcohol or a ride to the hospital — just bounce right back to their feet like nothing happened. They’ve done it all year and I expect tonight won’t be any different.

The season has become one big bar fight for the Celtics, and tonight is just the latest chapter. If they lose, of course, feel free to tie me to a tree, bludgeon me with baseball bats and blame me for everything bad that’s ever happened to you.