MVN: Most Valuable Network

"Are we in a slump?" Rondo rhetorically responded. "I mean you answer that question. We're like 30-6 [actually 29-6]. I don't think we're in a slump.

"We still have the best record in the league. I don't think it's a slump."

Rajon Rondo - Boston Celtics

These the words from Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo during their recent struggles on their long road stretch. Losing five of their last seven after winning 19 in a row, they have lost to teams including Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Charlotte, and Golden State. Their wins include the lowly Kings, and the flat-out pathetic Washington Wizards.

The Celtics are now actually 29-7, only leading the Cavs by .5 games, and the Magic by 1.5 games. They come home tonight to face a team that is also struggling, the Houston Rockets, before going back out on the road to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. If the Celtics don't get back on track with the Rockets tonight, it would be a tough week for the Celtics, and a tough game on Friday.

Tonight, The Celtics have to make sure they keep Yao Ming off the boards as much as possible, and Perkins has to give him a hard time down low on both offense and defense. It is uncertain if Tracy McGrady will play tonight with a sore knee, and Ron Artest is also questionable tonight with a with his ankle.

If the Celtics can beat the Rockets tonight, and get back in their regular mental state, they will be able to match the Cavaliers on Friday night. If they don't, it won't be pretty in Cleveland on January ninth.

So what is the problem? Skip Bayless on ESPN First Take today states that this is the first time in two years that he has seen the Celtics "tired." Telling the audience that the reason for the Celtics recent "struggles" is Kevin Garnett. Garnett, who's numbers have dropped not only in the last seven games, but the whole season, is averaging 16.1 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. Bayless told the audience that not only has KG's numbers fallen, but his energy and his cheer-leader like mentality has dropped off lately. Could it be the Marbury talks? Could it be the mental letdown of losing to the Lakers on Christmas day? Could it be the decreased amount of hunger after winning the Championship?

No. No, no, and um, NO. Yes, there is a slump. There is no denying that. Although every team goes through rough patches, this is still a slump. But, I still do think that this is just another rough patch. This happened last year with the C's, when they had a rough patch heading through the middle of the season with, yes, the Charlotte Bobcats. Paul Pierce, who has gotten back on track the past couple of games, scored 28 points last night, pushing the Celtics into overtime with a fadeaway shot in the paint.

Going back to last night's game, Rajon Rondo had a shocking nine turnovers and only six assists, to go along with 16 points off 5-11 shooting. For the Bobcats, Raymond Felton had 25 points and D.J. Augustin had 20 points off the bench. Another key thing for the Celtics is to cut down the turnovers. Especially for Rajon Rondo. They can't afford for their starting point guard to have nine turnovers in one game.

So no need to panic Celtics fans. Although tonight's game is key for them, this is just a rough road patch that can be easily fixed.

Note - The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the New Orleans Hornets last night 116-105. Go Celtics!