Toronto might be catching a break against the hottest team in the East.

The Celtics (47-28, 1st in East) and Raptors (42-32, 6th in East) play for the final team this season. Boston won 2 of the 3 matchups, the last one coming in November where the C’s were treading water at .500. Suggestions floated around that perhaps Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can’t play together, which looks silly now. Since January 1st, the Celtics are 30-9. Only the Suns can boast a better record in 2022.

Boston enters this game on a six game win streak (five by double digits), but some guys will be missing. Al Horford is unlikely to make the trip due to personal reasons. Robert Williams sprained his left knee in the second half on Sunday vs Minnesota. Jayson Tatum could also be out (more below). Of course, the Raptors have their own injury issues with Gary Trent Jr and Fred VanVleet not being at 100 percent. Chicago and Cleveland are both playing non playoff teams in the Knicks and Magic, so it’s pretty likely Toronto will have to match wins to maintain the sixth seed while keeping fifth in reach.

Player to Watch

Jayson Tatum said he will have “a better idea in the morning” on whether he will play tomorrow in Toronto. Will get the knee assessed. Sounds like sitting will be a possible option on the second night of a back to back.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 28, 2022

Tatum has dealt with knee issues all season. That hasn’t stopped him from averaging 33.7 points this month, entering the second tier of the MVP conversation similar to DeMar DeRozan in January/February. He’s shot at least 57 percent from the field in five straight games, going 28-50 from three over that span. The top four teams in the East are separated by a half game, so Tatum may feel the need to tough this one out. It’s a game changer if he doesn’t play.

On the Raptors side, Scottie Barnes hit the 1,000 point and 500 rebound milestones against the Pacers. He’s the only rookie to rank top four in total points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Scottie ROY?