Is it time to panic yet?

After such a ridiculous start, no game seems to be a given for the Boston Celtics at this moment in time.

A 114-106 overtime loss last night to the Charlotte Bobcats-one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference-proved that point.

The offense wasn't the problem for the C's (29-7) as Paul Pierce led Boston with 28 points and six rebounds. Ray Allen had 20 points and Kevin Garnett posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Rajon Rondo had 16 points, six boards, four assists, three steals but nine turnovers. Kendrick Perkins had nine points and 10 boards in the loss.

Once again, Boston's bench was the issue as they were outscored 34-19.

The Bobcats (13-22) combination of young, athletic players seemed to uncover the Celts' biggest matchup problem (just like the Hawks). Raymond Felton (25 points, 8 assists, 7 turnovers) and Gerald Wallace (23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals) led Charlotte.

They also got solid contributions from Boris Diaw (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Emeka Okafor (13 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks).

Adam Morrison (with short hair) had 13 points off the bench but the key of the game was rookie D.J. Augustin, who had 20 points and five assists off the bench, including 12-of-12 from the line.

As a team, the Bobcats had nine more steals (25-16) than the Celtics.

The Houston Rockets come to the Garden tonight in an early season must-win for a Celtics squad looking to reestablish its identity.