"Rajon Rondo knew something was wrong Sunday night after returning from a one-game absence to play against Sacramento with a deep bruise on his right hip and thigh.

"When you get beat down the court by a big, it's frustrating," the Celtics point guard said before missing yesterday's practice, and receiving the news from coach Doc Rivers that his status is questionable for tonight's game against Memphis.

"When his guy scores 27 and he scores two, I think that tells you there's a limitation," Rivers said of Rondo's lopsided matchup against Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas. "He couldn't move much. We talked after the game, and I couldn't give him an answer of whether he was helping or hurting with how he was moving. You want him on the floor. It's a tough call."

According to Rondo, the call may not be as difficult as some anticipate, even if he doesn't play tonight. Avery Bradley, making his season debut after double shoulder surgery, will alleviate some of that pressure to suit up.

"I'll be fine, it's not like I'm going to need surgery on it," Rondo said. "It's a bruise. I've never had this type of injury. I got kneed on my bone, and it's kind of nagging. It's not too serious, but it affects me a little bit. It affects my style of play, my speed. I'm not able to plant as quick as I would like to. But I'll be getting treatment every day."