The Raptors host the Celtics tonight at the Air Canada Center. While this is a winnable matchup for the Raptors, the Celtics are far too scrappy to ever take lightly.
The Basics:
Matchup: Toronto (26-15, 1st Atlantic) vs. Boston (22-20, 2nd Atlantic)
Location: Air Canada Centre
Start time: 7:30 PM, EST
Line: TOR – 3.0, o/u 202.5
Doctor’s Report:
Aside from DeMarre Carroll, both teams are coming into this one with a full roster at their disposal. Evan Turner (knee) was doubtful to play on Monday against the Mavericks but he ended up logging 26 minutes so it looks like he’s good to go.
Previous Matchup:
Toronto 113- 103, October 30, 2015 – The Celtics, who started David Lee and Tyler Zeller last time these two went head to head, are sporting a radically different rotation than the last time these two met up. The starting lineup now features Amir, Isaiah Thomas and Jared Sullinger.
This is Amir’s first time back in Toronto. He should be amped up and ready to go.
Noteworthy Things:
- The Raptors are riding a 5-game win streak. This is their second game of a 7-game home stand.
- The Celtics struggle with consistency. They tend to win and lose in bunches. Over their last ten they are 4-6. This includes a three-game win streak and a four-game losing streak.
- The Celtics have really improved their defense this season, thanks in no small part to Amir Johnson. They’re 4th in the league in defensive rating, opponent FG% and opponent 3P %. They’re doing a much better job defending 2-point attempts this season, ranking 6th overall.
- The Celtics lead the league in forced turnovers and they play at the fourth highest pace in the league. If the Raptors come out sleepy, the Celtics will pounce.
- Aside from the Clippers, the Celtics send opponents to the foul line more than any team in the league. DeMar is going to feast.
Key Matchups:
Lowry versus Isaiah Thomas: These two, along with John Wall, have been the best point guards in the Eastern conference so far. It’s about to be on like donkey kong between the undersized juggernauts. P.s. Kyle Lowry #NBAVote, p.p.s.#IfKyrieIsAnAllstarIllBePissed
DeRozan versus Bradley: Avery Bradley is known as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. DeMar struggled from the field last time they met but made up for it by getting to the line 14 times!
James Johnson versus Jae Crowder: If these two ever got into a fist fight it would be epic. Crowder has really found a home in Boston and he gets the edge in this matchup.
Scola versus Amir: I initially thought of this as a matchup between two old men but then I remembered that Amir is only 28 years old. Amir isn’t logging a ton of minutes but he’s really helped anchor the defense. Just like Scola, Amir is the guy who goes when Stevens moves to the small ball unit. I expect that Amir will receive a very warm ovation from the Toronto crowd. We could see a big performance from him.
Jonas versus Sullinger: I like Jonas in this one. Sullinger uses his large posterior to corral a lot of rebounds and he’s crafty around the rim but he fouled out against Jonas last time and if you force him into outside shots, he’s donezo.
Bench: Boston’s bench unit is pretty lethal, actually. Marcus Smart, Olynyk and Turner all log serious minutes. Olynyk is likely to want to play well in front of his fellow Canucks.
