Celtics-Raptors Preview: Two Teams on Different Trajectories Meet in Toronto
Boston Celtics (40-18)
The Boston Celtics have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, and they are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference standings. They have a wealth of talent, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and they are playing with great chemistry. The Celtics are also one of the best defensive teams in the league, and they are always a tough opponent.The Celtics have won four of their last five games, and they are coming off a 116-95 win over the New York Knicks.
Tatum is averaging 31.1 points per game this season, and he is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA. Brown is also averaging over 25 points per game, and he is one of the best wing defenders in the league.
Toronto Raptors (27-31)
The Toronto Raptors have been struggling this season, and they are currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They have a lot of young players, and they are still trying to find their identity. The Raptors are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and they have been giving up a lot of points this season.The Raptors have lost four of their last five games, and they are coming off a 118-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Pascal Siakam is averaging 25.1 points per game this season, and he is the Raptors' leading scorer. Fred VanVleet is also averaging over 20 points per game, and he is one of the best shooters in the league.
Keys to the Game
The key to the game for the Celtics will be to continue to play with great chemistry and to defend at a high level. They will also need to be able to knock down shots from three-point range.The key to the game for the Raptors will be to play with more energy and intensity. They will also need to be able to get stops on defense and to rebound the basketball.
