Rondo out indefinitely with fractured thumb

Don't count the Boston Celtics out just yet.

The Chicago Bulls announced Friday that point guard Rajon Rondo will be sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a fractured thumb following X-rays on his right hand.

Rondo is wearing a cast and will be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days, reports K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. The point guard suffered the injury in the third quarter of Game 2 against Boston, but managed to play through it.

Rondo struggled through a down year in his first season with the Bulls, but his resurgence during the opening two playoff games was a huge factor in Chicago taking a commanding 2-0 lead on the road.

The former All-Star is averaging 11.5 points, 10 assists, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game against the Celtics. Rondo has provided a steadying presence for Chicago on both ends of the floor, meticulously dictating tempo while playing strong defense on the perimeter.

His play drew praise from fellow team leaders Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade, who once opposed Rondo in an ugly public spat that threatened to tear apart the Bulls in January. The "Three Alphas" even came together to devise strategy ahead of their Game 2 victory.

Chicago will turn to Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams in the absence of Rondo, although expect Wade and Butler to shoulder the bulk of playmaking responsibilities.