The Celtics will take on the Raptors on Friday. The game will tip-off at 9:00 PM EST on TNT. Both of these teams are top contenders in the East.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are 2-2 since entering the bubble. They have shown just how good they can be but have also had some bumps in the road.
They have been relying on Jayson Tatum, who has grown into a star in this league. He scored 34 points against the Trail Blazers last Sunday. But the Raptors have been able to limit his production as he only averages 16 points per game against them.
Kemba Walker has yet to hit a stride in the Orlando bubble. He is listed as day-to-day and did not play in their last game against the Nets.
The Nets’ game was a big loss. They were beat 149-115. They will look to bounce back after that beat down.
Maybe Walker can get in a groove against Toronto. He averages several points over his season average against them. But the Raptors have been playing like one of the hottest teams in the league.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors’ success this season has been a shock to many. They are the defending champs, but they lost their star player in Kawhi Leonard. However, several players have stepped up.
Toronto is undefeated in the bubble. They have beaten the Lakers, Heat, and Magic in their run. The win against the top-seeded Lakers truly shows how talented of a group they are.
Experts continue to rave about the coaching that this team receives. Their play and ball movement might be the best in the entire league. They don’t pay one vs. one basketball, rather constantly finding easy shots.
Pascal Siakam has stepped up into the role of Leonard. He leads this team by averaging over 23 points per game. Against Boston, he has scored 33 points per game.
He is joined by a number of role players that continue to have success. This includes Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, who both can lead the offense.
Prediction
Both of these teams have a chance to come out of the Eastern Conference and move on to the NBA Finals. The East is a little weaker, but the Celtics and Raptors are both impressive.
But the Celtics have been much more hit or miss. If they play well, they can beat anyone in the league. But they have thrown in too many games in which players don’t show up.
Toronto has been consistent. Because of their coaching and playing style, any players have the ability to lead them in scoring. Every player on the floor is a threat.
Since these are two of the top teams in the East with similar records, the spread will be very close. This is one of the best matchups left in the regular season.
But I’m riding with the Raptors to continue their run in the bubble and staying undefeated.