Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors Reignite Rivalry in NBA Playoffs

Celtics Aim to Extend Dominance, Raptors Seek Redemption

The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors, two storied franchises in the NBA's Eastern Conference, are set to renew their rivalry in the playoffs. The Celtics, who finished the regular season with the second-best record in the East, will host the Raptors, who clinched the sixth seed, in a best-of-seven series starting Monday.

The Celtics have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including a 4-1 victory in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals. However, the Raptors are confident they can turn the tables this time around.

Familiar Foes: A Decade-Long Rivalry

The Celtics and Raptors have been fierce rivals for over a decade, with both teams battling for Atlantic Division supremacy and Eastern Conference dominance.

The rivalry reached its peak in the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals, when the Celtics famously blew a 2-0 lead and lost to the Raptors in seven games. The Raptors went on to win the NBA championship that year, while the Celtics were left to rue their missed opportunity.

Key Matchups and X-Factors

One of the key matchups in the series will be between Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. Tatum is one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA, while Siakam is a versatile forward who can do it all on both ends of the court.

Another X-factor in the series will be the health of Celtics point guard Marcus Smart. Smart missed the last two games of the regular season with an ankle injury, but he is expected to be ready for Game 1.

Predictions and Outlook

The Celtics are favored to win the series, but the Raptors are a dangerous team that is capable of beating anyone on any given night.

If Smart is healthy, the Celtics should have a slight edge in experience and overall talent. However, if Smart is unable to play or is not at full strength, the Raptors could pull off the upset.