The Boston Celtics are in a kind of slump they haven't experienced in several years.
The C's are 15-17 entering Friday night's road game against the Indiana Pacers. Boston has lost three consecutive games and seven of its last 10 matchups.
The last time the Celtics were below the .500 mark this far into a season was the 2014-15 campaign, which was head Brad Stevens' second year on the job. The only player from that 2014-15 roster still on the team today is Marcus Smart.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
So, for many of the Celtics' players, this is one of -- if the not the most -- difficult stretch of their career.
Forsberg: Ainge waiting until offseason to use TPE is a dangerous game
There's been plenty of debate over the talent level of the Celtics' roster, and the weaknesses plaguing the team, including a lack of bench scoring.
In an interview with Tom Westerholm of Boston.com, Celtics star Jayson Tatum defended the roster.
Boston Celtics
“Obviously people might disagree, especially how we’ve been lately,” Tatum said. “But I know what we’re capable of. I don’t think talent is the issue. I think we’re just kind of in a slump right now, and obviously, we don’t have time to relax. We’ve got to figure it out. But I believe in myself. I believe in the guys in that locker room to do what it takes.”
Forsberg: Ranking the Celtics' 10 most valuable trade assets
The Celtics have shown flashes of being a contender in the Eastern Conference. They once led the conference at 8-3 earlier in the season, and the C's have also beaten some really good teams, such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.
Consistency has been a major issue for the Celtics. They have not won back-to-back games once over the last 16 matchups. Boston has played awesome for stretches, and even some full games, but sustaining that level of play over a prolonged period has been a huge challenge.
The Celtics have four more games until the All-Star break hits and they get some much-needed rest. Winning these games and establishing some momentum entering the second half of the regular season likely would be a huge boost to this team.