Rondo, Pietrus, Allen all stay in Boston

By Gary Washburn, Globe Staff

ATLANTA — The Celtics traveled to Atlanta this afternoon without three key players — Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus — as they will face the Atlanta Hawks in a game that could determine whether the Celtics open the playoffs at home or on the road.

The Hawks are one-half game ahead of the Celtics, who have three games left. The Hawks have four games left. The Orlando Magic are one-half game behind the Celtics, so Boston’s playoff opponent could come down to the final game of the regular season.