Already this season the Toronto Raptors have seen some hills and valleys. A 9-game winning streak has turned into dropping 4 of the last 5 games and scoring a season-low in their most recent outing against Charlotte. Now, in the midst of their home-stand, they need to see if they are able to stop the bleeding, especially before they enter Tournament Cup play.

This will be their first of four matchups against the Boston Celtics this season. In 116 total games against each other, the record sits 73-43 in Boston’s favour. The Celtics have won 11 of the last 12 as well.

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With deep playoff runs and a championship under their belt, the Celtics struggled with injuries last year, making some notable changes to their roster in the last two years in an effort to regain dominance. They don’t quite have the same firepower though, and as a result, sit behind the Raptors in the standings at 14-9, due mostly to a slow start to the season. Recently, they’ve found their rhythm, going four in a row and winning 10 of their last 13 games, including contests against the Lakers, Knicks, Cavaliers, and Pistons.

Jason Tatum is still recovering, meaning they’ve had to lean on former finals MVP Jaylen Brown to lead the charge. He’s having one of the best seasons of his career to date, averaging 29-6-5 while shooting almost 50% from the field and 35% from long range. Payton Pritchard has also stepped up in a big way, contributing 17-4-5. Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, and Neemias Queta have all been important role players as well. Former Raptor Chris Boucher will be back for the first time as a Celtic in a regular season game, as he made an appearance in the preseason back in October. He’ll undoubtably receive a warm welcome, although unfortunately Boston hasn’t provided him with the best opportunity, appearing in only 8 games and averaging only 2 points and 2 rebounds per contest.

Despite the change in personnel, Boston’s strength has still been long range shooting. They sit third in the league on attempts per game at 43, and first in makes at almost 16. They’ve also proven to be an excellent offensive rebounding team, averaging 13 per game to sit in 6th for that metric. They’re able to space the floor and get opportunities for shooters, and when they don’t make the shot the first time, effort on the boards provides second and third chances.

This is where Toronto will have to stop them. With the exhausting stretch of games the Raptors have played lately, it seems like there hasn’t been enough gas in the tank. Rebounding, defence, and off-ball movement are all largely about effort, meaning that whatever fumes are left will be needed today. Still missing RJ and the possible loss of Quickley will both be another challenge, ultimately leading to the question of who will step up.

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Scottie is the obvious choice, currently having a career year in points, steals, blocks, and all three shooting % metrics. His defence has also been integral for Toronto. Ingram is the next option, but has struggled with his shooting in the last few outings, scoring only 7 points in the loss to Charlotte. In reality though, Toronto plays better when they’re playing together. Still second in the league for assists with 30 per game, their highlight plays of the season have all been the result of extra passes and phenomenal ball movement. They will need everyone to find a way to contribute today even if it’s just chipping in a few points or a momentum-shifting defensive play.

The New York Knicks are looming in their quarterfinal matchup for the tournament, and Toronto will likely want to have a feel-good win under their belt before facing the second-ranked team in the East. It shouldn’t be surprising if they come out as a unit, moving the ball, getting big stops, and having just enough to get themselves a win.

Where to Watch

Tune in at 3:30pm ET on Sportsnet.

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Probable Starters

Toronto: Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Jamal Shead, Collin Murray-Boyles

Boston: Neemias Queta, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh

Injury Report

Toronto: RJ Barrett (Out: Knee sprain), Jamison Battle (Doubtful: Ankle sprain), Immanuel Quickley (Questionable: Illness)

Boston: Ron Harper Jr. (Out: G-League), Max Shulga (Out: G-League), Jayson Tatum (Out: Achilles repair), Amari Williams (Out: G-League)