Game Thread: Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics

After an understandable loss to the Nets and a last-second defeat at the hands of the Cavs, the Toronto Raptors are 6-5 and looking to get back into the win column. Tonight could be a good opportunity to do so, as they meet a team they’ve beaten already, and match up nicely style-wise against in the Celtics.

Boston is without Jaylen Brown for a couple weeks, as a hamstring strain is being treated with caution by the Celtics staff. Still, the home team tonight is coming off their best win of the season — a 95-78 stonewalling of the Miami Heat — and are hoping they can build off that; the Celtics are still trying to reach the lofty expectations some have set for their core in 2021-22.

The Raptors, meanwhile, feel a bit like playing with house money. While two straight losses are disappointing, there’s promise with the return of Pascal Siakam — who has looked loose and ready for NBA action on a minutes restriction so far. The experimentation with Toronto’s small lineup and chemistry-building around Scottie Barnes is also an exciting thing to see building.

So, let’s see what tonight’s matchup will bring, as two defensive-minded teams go at it. Here are the game details.

Where to Watch

Sportsnet, 7:30 PM ET

Lineups

Toronto — Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam

Boston — Dennis Schröder, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, Al Horford

Injuries

Toronto — Khem Birch (out - knee), Yuta Watanabe (out - calf strain)

Boston — Jaylen Brown (out - hamstring)