The Boston Celtics (16-11) are on the road tonight as they face 3rd seed Toronto Raptors (17-11). Both sides enter this one fresh off wins. Toronto beat Milwaukee on Thursday 111-105, and the Celtics overcame Miami 129-116 after a dominant 4th quarter performance.
Boston are in great form, winning seven out of their last ten matches. They have been very efficient in their offence with good ball movement and low turnovers per game. But it has been their stout defensive performance that has led to them seeded 4th in the East with a 16-11 record without star man Jason Tatum. The Celtics rank 2nd for Opposition Points Per Game (111).
Toronto have also been impressive this season, seeded 3rd in the East with a 17-11 record. Despite a slight downturn in form, they will be pleased with their performance so far. They have also been very effective at protecting the paint and stopping teams from scoring easy baskets.
This is the second of four meetings scheduled for the sides this season, providing they don’t meet in the post season. Boston won the first encounter on the road by 121-113.
Our Selection:
1u: Toronto Raptors -1.5 pts (-110)
We believe that Toronto will hit back tonight and level the series between these two. Boston’s best player this season Jaylen Brown is out with illness and this will significantly deplete Celtic’s shotmaking ability.
Recent Form:
Injury Report:
Boston Celtics:
- Jaylen Brown (Illness), Jayson Tatum (Achilles Repair)
Toronto Raptors:
- RJ Barrett (Knee), Jakob Poeltl doubtful (Back)