The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics will both be looking to end the season in the Eastern Conference playoffs this season. However, both franchises have been stuck in difficult periods throughout the season, and will be looking to maintain their form ahead of NBA All-Star break.
Celtics vs Raptors Preview
Celtics On Hot Run
The Boston Celtics have been able to find their very best form again recently, as they have given themselves a huge confidence booster as we reach the halfway stage of the NBA season. Boston are sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at present, but will have work to do in the second half of the season if they want to achieve the highest possible seeding for the playoffs this season. The Celtics have shown decent form over their last three games, as they have come away with three straight victories.
That run of form has seen them win five and lose five in their previous ten. The Celtics currently have a win percentage of .514, which is slightly higher than the target of .500 that is required for a playoff spot. Boston come into this game against the Raptors in good confidence, as they picked up a good win last time out against the Los Angeles Clippers. Kemba Walker top-scored for the Celtics in that 117-112 win. Jayson Tatum, Tristan Thompson, Payton Pritchard, Robert Williams and Jaylen Brown all scored more than ten points in that win.
Raptors Return To The Court With Defeat
The Toronto Raptors played for the first time since the 27th February on Wednesday night, as a COVID-19 outbreak in the camp forced two of their games to be cancelled. The effects from the outbreak are still being felt by the team, as the roster was down to its bare bones for the visit of the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, as they crumbled to a 129-105 defeat. There was no Pascal Siakam or Fred VanVleet in the team, while OG Anunoby was also missing. The Raptors managed to stay in the game in the first half, but the Pistons were eventually able to steer clear in the final two quarters.
Norman Powell put in a great shift despite the defeat, as the forward scored 36 points in his 38 minutes on the court. Kyle Lowry added 21 points, while Chris Boucher also scored 18. Aron Baynes and Matt Thomas were the only other Toronto players to score at least ten points in the defeat. It’s unlikely that Siakam, VanVleet, Anunoby, as well as head coach Nick Nurse, will be back in time for the game against the Celtics on Thursday.
Celtics vs Raptors Pick
The COVID outbreak in the Raptors camp has done little to help their chances in this game on Thursday, and with the absence of some of their best players, we can’t see anything other than a commanding win for the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Pick: Boston Celtics (-7.5)
