Game thread: Raptors vs. Celtics updates, TV info, and more

It’s here! It’s finally here! After multiple seasons with one of the best records in the NBA, Raptors fans were not unjustified in wondering if we’d ever see our team get an opportunity to play on the league’s signature Christmas Day showcase.

Well, it took winning a title, and we’re stuck in the noon slot but hey! We made it: The NBA is here in Toronto on Christmas Day for the first time ever.

The NBA didn’t drop the ball on the matchup. The Raptors and Celtics have proven to be well-matched opponents in recent years as they’ve battled for Atlantic Division supremacy (for whatever that’s worth); who could forget the Kawhi Leonard-Danny Green double block as the Raptors outlasted the Celtics last October, or Kyrie Irving’s 43 points as the Celtics held off the Raptors in overtime last November?

Of course, none of those players are here anymore — yet these two teams are again neck-and-neck near the top of the East. Might this be the year we finally see the Raptors and Celtics meet in the postseason?

Perhaps, but for now we’ve got this historic day, so let’s enjoy it.

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet, 12:00pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto – Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Patrick McCaw, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka

Boston – Semi Ojeleye, Jayson Tatum, Daniel Theis, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker

Injuries:

Toronto — Pascal Siakam (groin – out), Marc Gasol (hamstring – out), Norman Powell (shoulder – out), Matt Thomas (finger – out), Dewan Hernandez (ankle – out)

Boston — Vincent Poirier (finger – out), Marcus Smart (eye – out), Robert Williams (hip – out)