'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Boston Celtics find themselves in an interesting position. On Monday, they lost to the Brooklyn Nets 109-102.
The Nets are a team the Celtics were expected to beat. But, D'Angelo Russell and the Nets beat the Celtics. Russell had 34 points. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum had 34 points. He played well but it was not enough for the Celtics to win.
Also, Kyrie Irving missed this game due to a bruised right quad. He is expected to play in the Celtics' next game. Marcus Smart also missed the game due to illness. He is questionable for their next game.
This loss marks the Celtics third-straight loss. They lost also lost to the Miami Heat on Thursday and the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
The Heat and Magic are also two teams the Celtics could beat. But, the Celtics lost to them both. Despite their losing streak, the Celtics are fifth in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 25-18.
The fifth seed is good but it is also slightly underwhelming. The Celtics were arguably the favorites in the East before the season started. Last season, they made it to the Conference Finals. They did it without Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving.
The Celtics lost in the Conference Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They forced the Cavs to a Game 7 before losing. The Celtics were so impressive that it seemed the returns of Hayward and Irving would make them better.
It will make them better but not until the Celtics mesh. The veterans and younger players must find a way to play together.
If the Celtics play as a team, they could reach the best teams of the East like the Bucks, Sixers, or Raptors. In fact, their next game is against the Raptors.
The Raptors are first in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 33-12.
The Raptors are also on a five-game winning streak. As of right now, they look like the favorites in the conference. If the Celtics want to reach the Conference Finals or Finals, it is possible that they'll run into the Raptors.
This game is an opportunity to make a statement. The Celtics/Raptors season series is tied 1-1. In November, the Celtics beat the Raptors 123-116. The win came in overtime. Then, in December, the Raptors beat the Celtics 113-101.
If the Celtics win this game, they'll have an advantage in the season series. Then, there will be one more game in February.
The Celtics are on a three-game losing streak. What better way to redeem themselves than a win over the Raptors? This is their opportunity.
Predicted starting line-ups
Celtics: Kyrie Irving (PG), Jaylen Brown (SG), Jayson Tatum (SF), Marcus Morris (PF), and Al Horford (C)
Raptors: Kyle Lowry (PG), Danny Green (SG), Kawhi Leonard (SF), Pascal Siakam (PF), and Serge Ibaka (C)
