Feb 10, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics shooting guard Leandro Barbosa (12) drives to the hoop against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

In tonight’s 94-91 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Boston Celtics got hit with another injury. Leandro Barbosa injured his knee late in the third quarter and immediately it didn’t look too good. Barbosa couldn’t even put weight on his knee and was carried back to the locker room. After the game Doc Rivers said it doesn’t look great and according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, don’t expect to see him again this season.

Barbosa will have an MRI tomorrow, but from the sound of things, the results are not likely to be negative. Barbosa now joins Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger who are both done for the season with injuries. The Celtics can’t afford another hit to the roster, and will need to find a replacement soon, before they go on their second west coast trip of the season after the All-Star break.

Delonte West is available and could possibly be a consideration for a temporary replacement. There is not a lot out there when it comes to potential options in free agency. This is a major blow, and now Danny Ainge has to contemplate once again whether to keep the team intact or make some roster changes.

February 6, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Boston Celtics guard Leandro Barbosa (12) tries to get by Toronto Raptors forward-guard Alan Anderson (6) during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Boston defeated Toronto 99-95. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight was the Boston Celtics first look at the new and improved Toronto Raptors, and after this game, Toronto is not a team to mess with. Throughout the entire game, the Raptors were one step ahead of the Celtics: getting back on defense, making Boston take perimeter jump shots, and eliminating their fast break opportunities. For three quarters, the Raptors had the Celtics offense figured out. But in the fourth quarter, Toronto forgot about one of their former players, Leandro Barbosa.

If it wasn’t for Barbosa, who made clutch baskets, drove to the hoop and drawing contact, and coming up big on both sides of the court, Boston’s win streak would have been snapped. The Celtics came into the fourth quarter down by 10 and it didn’t look too good for Boston, but a quick 7-0 run shifted the momentum over to them. Barbosa can’t recieve all of the credit for tonight’s win however, Kevin Garnett must have found the fountain of youth because he scored 27 points along with 10 rebounds. The Garnett of old showed up tonight making huge buckets down the stretch and no matter who Toronto put on him, he was not going to be denied.

The Celtics defense also turned it up another notch in the fourth quarter as they silenced Rudy Gay for a majority of the quarter and that had a major impact on the outcome of the game. When Boston needed a stop they got one, and they basically willed themselves to a victory tonight. Jeff Green may not have had it going offensively, but his defensive plays in the closing minutes helped Boston seal the deal to help extend the win streak to five straight games.

Boston did have some difficulty tonight and went back to old habits against Toronto. The Celtics stopped playing with an up-tempo offense which slowed the team down and allowed the Raptors to set up on defense. Boston got horrible looks at the basket, and weren’t taking the ball to the hoop. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Leandro Barbosa took the ball strong to the rim and drew some fouls. Once he penetrated the defense, it was easy for the other players on the floor to do the same and create spacing.

Tonight was probably the best victory so far without Rajon Rondo during this win streak. The Celtics had to adapt to not playing with a true point guard, and instead ran the offense through Jason Terry and Paul Pierce. Contrary to popular belief, from what I saw, the Celtics can win without Rondo down the stretch. But can they continue to do this? That remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, whether it’s Rondo or another point guard, the lack of a playmaker on the court may cause some issues down the road.

The Celtics look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow night at the Garden. The Lakers also have a lot of injuries on their roster, so both teams will not be at full strength. But for Boston, all that matters is winning games, and right now, thats exactly what they’re doing.

Nov 10, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Leandro Barbosa (12) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In the first ten games of the regular season, Leandro Barbosa has no doubt been the most surprising and impressive player so far. He was signed very late into the preseason, and according to reporters he still doesn’t know many of the plays, yet he’s been one of the most productive players off the bench the last few games. On opening night in Miami, Barbosa supplied 16 points in the fourth quarter, going 3 for 3 from the three point line. Not only has his offense awarded him time off the bench, he’s also become the go-to guy to backup Rajon Rondo.

With Avery Bradley still out after having offseason shoulder surgery, Barbosa has filled in and given Boston energy in Bradley’s absence. When Barbosa was first signed, many people didn’t think he’d get many minutes being behind Courtney Lee and Jason Terry, but he has proven us wrong. Barbosa’s contributions have exceeded many Celtics fans expectations, but also he’s stepped in as Rondo’s backup which no one expected before the season.

It’s not just Barbosa’s offense that’s been big for Boston, his defense has been spectacular. He’s obviously bought into Doc Rivers philosophy of playing since Barbosa is not known as a defensively oriented player. He’s come in with the right mindset and just plays on both ends of the court which will make him a fan favorite in Boston.

When Avery Bradley returns, I hope to see the Celtics keep Barbosa in the main rotation. Rivers can go with different looks in the backcourt: If he wants offense, he can go with Terry and Barbosa, and if defense is needed, a quick Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee will give opponents many problems on both ends. One thing is for sure, Celtics fans don’t need to worry about finding a backup for Rondo, Barbosa and company have got it covered.