With Rajon Rondo serving a two game suspension, the Boston Celtics face their first challenge against the Portland Trail Blazers Friday at 7:30 pm ET.
Rondo was suspended for two games after starting a skirmish that sent players sprawling into the seats in a 95-83 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday night. Rondo, averaging 12.9 points and a league-leading 12.9 assists, will miss both Friday's game and Sunday's contest at Milwaukee.
Leandro Barbosa performed admirably in Rondo's place, however, finishing with 17 points, two rebounds, two steals and two assists in 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Portland suffered perhaps its worst defeat of the season on Wednesday night, an 84-82 loss at Washington that let the Wizards end their franchise-worst 0-12 start.
Both Nicolas Batum and Damian Lilard finished with 20 points.
Lillard has been a bright spot for Portland, leading all rookies with 19.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. He's also provided the Blazers with a long-distance threat, making 11 3-pointers over his last four games.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 17 points on Wednesday, while J.J. Hickson had 15 and 19 rebounds for his third double-double in four games.
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