After taking a commanding 2-0 series lead in their first-round playoff encounter with the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Bulls were dealt a huge blow ahead of game three as Rajon Rondo was ruled out indefinitely with a fractured thumb.

The point guard played a key role in the Bulls' back-to-back victories in Boston and finally resembled the Rondo of old as he dictated both games and looked like the floor general he used to be in a Celtics uniform. 

The four-time All-Star impressively filled the box score in game two by posting 11 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists and five steals.

Therefore, his absence was keenly felt by Chicago as they were easily beaten 104-87 by the men in green at United Center last night. 

The Bulls couldn't generate much offence without their playmaker on the floor and one stat proved just how much they missed him. 

Chicago had just 14 assists on 33 made field goals in the entire game. To put that into context, Rondo had 14 assists alone in the game two victory at TD Garden. 

All-Star Jimmy Butler appeared to suffer the most as he went 7-21 from the field and posted a disappointing 14 points by his standards. 

The offence just wasn't moving up and down the floor in the same way it was in the opening two games and Rondo's teammates acknowledged just how difficult it was without him.

"Obviously, we all talk about pace," Dwyane Wade said. "But obviously his ability to rebound the ball, give us extra possessions on the offensive end, defensive end rebound the ball. But just having another coach on the floor. You got a guy who has been in so many playoff series, been in the Finals, won championships, you can't replace that.

"We can't look to replace what Rondo brings. His experience is unmatched from that standpoint."

It's something the Bulls will have to get to grips with quickly, though, as Rondo may not return for this series. The veteran has confirmed that he will be out for at least two weeks.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time," Rondo said. "But things happen for a reason. It is what it is. I'm not sure how long I'll be out. I plan on my body healing pretty quickly. The doctors told me a couple weeks, but we'll see how it goes."

Despite the game three loss, the Bulls still have the advantage and have another home game to take a commanding 3-1 lead back to Massachusetts.