Gameday: Raptors @ Celtics, December 29
Moment of truth for the starting five and new rotations. There’s a new-found optimism in the fanbase after a blowout win against the Wizards but this game will tell us if the rotations are a solution to Raptors problems of the past.
Raptors scope: 12-18, 12th in East | Offensive Rating: 18th (113.5) | Defensive Rating: 14th (114.6)
A huge confidence booster for the Raptors against the Wizards has given the team some much-needed life. The spacing looked a lot better with the new rotations that were long overdue but let’s see how it goes against one of the league’s finest tonight. Raptors have already played the Celtics twice this season and while the first game wasn’t close, the second game during the in-season tournament was a nail-biter that went down to the wire. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world if Toronto pulled off an upset tonight, especially with the way Raptors have played against better teams this season. They’ve pulled off some huge upsets against the likes of the Suns, Mavericks, Bucks and Timberwolves. It’s the easy ones that Toronto’s giving away.
Celtics scope: 24-6, 1st in East | Offensive Rating: 4th (120.5) | Defensive Rating: 3rd (110.6)
The Celtics saved themselves from the huge embarrassment of snapping Detroit’s historic losing streak last night in a tight overtime game. That’s certainly a disadvantage for them going into the contest as they’re on a back-to-back with their starters logging heavy minutes. Even with that disadvantage, Boston should still have the upper hand as they’ve got one of the best teams in the league. Jaylen Brown was unable to play against the Pistons with a lower back contusion so let’s see if he can suit up tonight. Jayson Tatum is still balling though and should be able to do most of the heavy lifting if he’s able to play as he’s now questionable with an ankle injury. Newcomers Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have fit like a glove to improve an already great team.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm EST | TV: TSN | Radio: TSN Radio 1050
Raptors Lineup
Christian Koloko (respiratory) remains out and Garrett Temple is doubtful with an ankle injury.
PG: Scottie Barnes, Dennis Schroder, Malachi Flynn
SG: Gary Trent Jr, Gradey Dick
SF: O.G. Anunoby, Otto Porter Jr, Jalen McDaniels
PF: Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young
C: Jakob Poeltl, Precious Achiuwa
Celtics Lineup
Jaylen Brown is with a back injury and Jayson Tatum is questionable with an ankle injury.
PG: Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard, Dalano Banton
SG: Derrick White, Svi Mykhailiuk
SF: Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh
PF: Al Horford, Oshae Brissett, Lamar Stevens
C: Kristaps Porzingis, Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet
The Line
Current odds from FanDuel from 9 am.
| Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under | |
| Raptors | +8 (-112) | +265 | O 226 (-110) |
| Celtics | -8 (-108) | -330 | U 226 (-110) |
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