Mar 18, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard/forward Courtney Lee (11) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at TD Banknorth Garden. The Miami Heat won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, the Celtics didn’t get the win, but this should be consolation enough. Chris Bosh has been the brunt of a lot of jokes in his lifetime. He’s also the master of photobombing as well, but Lee puts Bosh in his place here bringing him to the ground of the dribble. He also ensured that he got points for it too by using the bank shot after. Great job, Courtney Lee. We’re proud of you, bro.

Feb 01, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) and head coach Doc Rivers share a hand-shake during a break in the action against the Orlando Magic in the second half at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 97-84. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics come into tonight’s game looking for their seventh straight victory as they take on the red hot Denver Nuggets who have a nine game winning streak of their own. The Celtics will have their hands full on defense; having the task of stopping Andre Iguodala and Danillo Gallinari who both can go off at any time. Boston’s defense has been great throughout the last six games, but tonight is the true test of how well they can play. Denver is also the only team that Boston has faced in the last two weeks that is healthy and on a roll. If there is a game where we find out if the Celtics can win a big game without Rajon Rondo, it would be tonight.

Like they’ve done since Rondo’s season ended, the Celtics have to play with an up-tempo offense. That style of play has been effective and the main component in winning games. But to play a fast break offense, Boston’s defense must step up, and more than they have in the previous six games. Ty Lawson is a dangerous guard, and both Courtney Lee and Avery Bradley will have to be at the top of their games.

The Celtics will also have to box out exceptionally well if they want to win. Denver has size, and a lot of it. Kenneth Faried is very active on the glass and will be someone to watch for throughout the game. Boston cannot afford to allow second chance opportunities, which they did a great job against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Foul trouble will be something that Boston must stay clear of. On Thursday, Kevin Garnett, Chris Wilcox, and Jason Collins all had two fouls in the first quarter alone. With Denver’s front line being healthy, it would be a major blow for the Celtics to find themselves in the same position.

The bench has to step up tonight and is my key to a Celtics victory. Jeff Green, Jason Terry, and Leandro Barbosa have played very well in Rondo’s absence, and will be relied heavily upon from here on out. Tonight will be no different. The Nuggets are a very deep team, and Boston must match them stride for stride. This is the first test for the Celtics, but the way they’ve played recently, it doesn’t seem like it matters who they’re playing. If Boston continues to play with the style of offense that’s won them six straight games, they’ll come away with the victory.

Jan 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics shooting guard Courtney Lee (11) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ric Bucher of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in Boston Celtics guard Courtney Lee. While the Celtics are interested in adding height to their roster via trade or free agency, trading Lee might be an option. Although, Lee has played very well since the news of Rajon Rondo being shut down for the rest of the season with a partial ACL tear.

Ric Bucher -

The Grizzlies are not done dealing, according to multiple sources — they’re just not looking to do any more stripping. The Grizzlies are far enough under the luxury tax that they’re willing to utilize at least part of their $7.5 million trade exception to add some perimeter help. Acquiring SG Courtney Lee, who Boston would consider flipping for some frontline help, was discussed but the Celtics aren’t looking just to drop salary but add size. That, of course, is if they continue their current run since Rajon Rondo went down; the winning streak apparently has GM Danny Ainge feeling an obligation to KG and Paul Pierce to give them whatever he can to take one more shot rather than move one of his veterans and begin rebuilding.

However, in a straight-up trade, there is no player the Celtics can get in return that would work financially. It’s possible that a third team could get involved which would likely make a trade bigger involving more players. But are the Celtics willing to part ways with a guard who is playing great as of late?

It would be typical of Danny Ainge to make a small trade, but the way Boston has played recently, he may consider looking to free agency to find a forward or center. The Celtics definitely need some front line help, but if Memphis is the only trade parter, Boston is not likely to get anything great in return. Another factor is, without Rondo it might not be wise to trade a guard because then the backcourt’s depth becomes thin.

Some decisions will have to be made soon. As I see it, I think Dany Ainge stays with what he has unless the Celtics lose convincingly in their last three games before the All-Star break. Boston has been on a roll recently winning six straight. The question now is, does Ainge think Boston has enough to go the distance and get back to the Finals?