NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics

#3 Boston's lack of quality of late shows

The Celtics are much better than how they are playing right now.

"Just gotta play better".

The Celtics lost for the fifth time since the All-Star break, this time against the in-rhythm Rockets.

"It could be any number of things, but we have to play better," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. "Individually and collectively, we have to play better."

With the backup center Aron Baynes back in action after a long absence due to injury, it became obvious after the loss that the Celtics' problems were never injury-centered. Initially slated to be contenders to represent the East in the Finals this year, the Celtics have never shown any remote signs of being the team that can represent their conference at all.

"We've had some good moments. But right now, unfortunately, we're going through a really bad stretch," Horford said. "This is when our group needs to make sure that we stay together."

With just six weeks and less than 20 games remaining before the postseason kicks off, Boston sure don't look like the team that can figure it all out in time.