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Boston Celtics (25-18) vs Toronto Raptors (33-12), TD Garden
The Boston Celtics will host the Toronto Raptors tonight at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Brad Stevens' Celtics are coming off a surprise defeat by the Brooklyn Nets, while the Raptors prevailed in a dramatic double-overtime win against the Washington Wizards.
With all of that in mind, let's see how things stand for both teams ahead of an intriguing clash this evening:
The Boston Celtics perspective
Following their aforementioned Nets defeat on Monday, the Celtics have now lost three successive games. They desperately need a win here, though the upcoming test will be a significantly stronger one against the Eastern Conference's best team in the Toronto Raptors.
The only real advantage they pose over their opponents is that they have home court for tonight's encounter.
Kyrie Irving missed their game against the Nets and will return here, which will be welcome news for his coach and teammates. Only three players managed to score in double figures during that loss, with Jayson Tatum impressing with 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
They were outscored 44-21 in the third quarter by the Nets but need to avoid relinquishing their hold on matches, otherwise they'll continue to struggle.
The Toronto Raptors perspective
The Raptors have won their last five games and will be looking to extend their streak away from home comforts tonight. Currently top of the Eastern Conference standings, they have been highly tipped to make the NBA Finals in June.
Their thrilling game against the Wizards finished with a 140-138 win, as Kawhi Leonard's 44 point, 11 rebound performance proved pivotal in propelling them to victory. He was supported by another impressive Pascal Siakam display - the 22-year-old scored 24 points and also grabbed 19 rebounds. These two will play a vital part tonight against a talented, albeit unpredictable, Celtics team.
Injury updates
Celtics center Aron Baynes (hand fracture) has been upgraded to questionable ahead of this game vs. the Raptors, while shooting guard Marcus Smart (illness) is also questionable and might not feature.
As for the Raptors, OG Anunoby (personal reasons) is unavailable. Center Jonas Valanciunas (thumb surgery) is also sidelined, though C.J. Miles (hip) and Fred VanVleet (thigh) are both listed as questionable.
How things might unfold and prediction
Celtics are very low on confidence and desperately need a win tonight. It's clear to see the players' chemistry is not as cohesive as it was last year, while Gordon Hayward needs time and patience to establish himself as the player he once was.
Meanwhile in Toronto, the Raptors have been the NBA's best team up until now this season. They have been consistent, tough to beat and with players returning from injuries, this team is only going to keep improving from here on. With that in mind, the Raptors certainly have a definite edge.
Prediction: Raptors to beat the Celtics
