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Rajon Rondo Suspended Two Games for Throwing Ball at Official During Sunday’s Loss to Pistons

The Celtics were in some trouble with Rajon Rondo in the lineup. Now, they'll be forced to play the next two games without their star point guard.

The NBA announced on Monday that it has suspended Rondo for two games "for throwing a ball at an official and striking him in the chest" during the Celtics' 96-81 loss to the Pistons on Sunday.

The incident occurred late in the third quarter and led to Rondo's ejection. Rondo drove into the lane and drew what appeared to be substantial contact from the Detroit defenders. No foul was called, however, which drew the ire of the Boston guard.

Rondo crashed to the floor during the play. Upon getting back to his feet, he yelled in referee Sean Wright's direction before flipping the ball at the official. It hit off Wright, who subsequently slapped Rondo with a double technical, leading to the point guard's ejection.

The Celtics eventually lost Sunday's game in Detroit, marking their third straight loss — two of which have come against the Pistons. The C's travel to Dallas for the third game of a five-game road trip on Monday night, and they will then square off with the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

Given the team's struggles, the absence of Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass and the difficult schedule ahead, it's going to be challenging for the C's to weather the storm minus their starting point guard.

Avery Bradley, who's averaged 3.8 points and 1.1 assists in 16.3 minutes per game over 28 games this season, will likely take Rondo's spot in the starting lineup.

Check out the incident that led to Rondo's suspension in the video below.