Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics: First of four against the reigning champs

Raptors look to break losing streak against one of the toughest opponents in the league

Tonight will be the first of four regular season matchups between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics. In the preseason, they split their games, with the Celtics capturing the first by four points, and the Raptors securing the second by a single point.

Boston is currently 10-3, with their only losses coming by single-digit deficits. They’re second in the East, only to the undefeated Cavaliers. The Celtics are building a case to repeat as champions this year, and their play so far has made that goal seem achievable. With their two main stars, Jaylen Brown (25-7-4) and Jayson Tatum (30-7-5) both putting up big numbers, and plenty of support from the bench, they will be the heavy favorites in this contest.

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Raptors will have to overcome fatigue, and a tough home crowd from Boston. Coming off their sixth straight loss, Toronto currently sits at the bottom of the East (but the top in lottery odds). The continued injury plague is nothing new either, although there is some optimism the Scottie should be back soon at least. In the meantime, this will prove to be another great opportunity for development and reps for the bench and some of the younger guys, including Gradey Dick, who continues to make a case for the MIP award.

Projected Starting Lineups

Toronto: RJ Barrett, Davion Mitchell, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji

Boston: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday

Injuries

Toronto: Scottie Barnes (Out: Orbital Fracture), Bruce Brown (Out: Knee Procedure), Garrett Temple (Out: Back Spasms), Ja’Kobe Walter (Out: Right AC Joint Soreness), Kelly Olynyk (Out: Back Soreness), DJ Carton (Out: G-League), Ulrich Chomche (Out: G-League), Immanuel Quickley (Out: Partial UCL Tear)

Boston: JD Davison (Out: G-League), Jrue Holiday (Questionable: Left Knee Tendinopathy), Drew Peterson (Out: G-League), Kristaps Porzingis (Out: Surgery Rehabilitation), Baylor Scheierman (Out: G-League), Jaden Springer (Questionable: Left Knee Tendinopathy), Anton Watson (Out: G-League)

Where to Watch

Tune in at 8:00 pm ET on TSN to catch all the action!

What to Watch For

• The Celtics love shooting from distance. They lead the league in makes and attempts, with 18.8 of their 50.4 attempts falling per game. They’re 11th in accuracy, but their volume of shots from beyond the arc have given them the most in the league with 244. They tied the single-game record for most 3-pointers as well, with 29. Perimeter defense will be imperative in this matchup, making sure there are no open and easy opportunities and getting out to contest those shots will limit their efficiency as well.
• The bench will have to step up, especially with the likely fatigue factor setting in for everyone in an already shortened lineup. We know that Boucher and Mogbo can be difference makers, and they’ll need to be able to play meaningful minutes tonight to get the starters some rest.
• Jakob Poeltl had a monster game against Detroit, with 25 points and 19 boards. With continued injuries, he’s positioning himself as one of the most important players on the team. While Boston does plenty from long range, he’ll have to long down the paint when players are chased off the line. No doubt he’ll be important in this matchup as well.