The 2025-26 NBA season offers an Atlantic Division rivalry matchup as the Boston Celtics travel to face the Toronto Raptors. Boston, with a potent offense led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, aims to rebound from a recent loss and maintain its playoff positioning. Toronto, boasting a young core including Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett (despite Barrett’s injury), seeks to capitalize on home-court energy amid a competitive Eastern Conference race. With both teams dealing with key absences, this contest could hinge on three-point shooting and defensive stops, potentially high-scoring given recent trends in head-to-heads.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity of 19,800, has been the Raptors’ home since 1999 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on NBCS-BOS for Celtics fans and TSN for Raptors viewers, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Boston Celtics: The team has not yet submitted its official report as of early December 20, but recent updates show Ron Harper Jr. (Out – G League Two-Way) and Sam Hauser (Questionable – Back). No major stars are listed, but monitor for last-minute changes involving Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, who have been durable this season.
Toronto Raptors: RJ Barrett (Out – Right Knee Sprain); Chucky Hepburn (Out – G League Two-Way); AJ Lawson (Out – G League Two-Way). Barrett’s absence is a significant blow to Toronto’s wing depth and scoring.
Player Matchups
This rivalry features several compelling battles that could decide the outcome:
Jayson Tatum (BOS, F) vs. Scottie Barnes (TOR, F): Tatum (28.4 points, 9.2 rebounds) brings versatile scoring, but Barnes (20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds) could exploit mismatches with his athleticism in a forward duel for paint control.
Jaylen Brown (BOS, G/F) vs. Immanuel Quickley (TOR, G): Brown (24.8 points, efficient from deep) faces Quickley’s playmaking (18.2 points, 6.4 assists), potentially deciding perimeter defense and transition opportunities.
Jrue Holiday (BOS, G) vs. RJ Barrett (TOR, G/F): Holiday’s defense (16.3 points) must contain Barrett (if he plays through injury; 22.4 points), but with Barrett out, this shifts to Gradey Dick or Ochai Agbaji, easing Boston’s load.
Al Horford (BOS, C) vs. Jakob Poeltl (TOR, C): Horford’s experience (10.2 points, strong rebounding) vs. Poeltl’s interior presence (12.4 points, 9.8 rebounds), a big-man battle for second-chance points.
Boston’s star duo gives them an edge, but Toronto’s youth could force turnovers if Barrett returns.
Team Records
Boston Celtics: 16-11, 7th in the Eastern Conference (4th in Atlantic Division).
Toronto Raptors: 17-11, 5th in the Eastern Conference (3rd in Atlantic Division).
These records are current through December 19, 2025.
Recent Team Forms
Boston has been inconsistent, going 2-3 in their last five, with a recent 112-105 loss to Detroit on December 15. They averaged 110.2 points but allowed 114.8, showing defensive lapses. Key wins include over Orlando, but losses to Miami highlight rebounding issues (-4 per game).
Toronto is on an upswing with a 3-2 record in their last five, including a 106-96 win over Miami on December 15. They averaged 112.4 points while holding opponents to 108.6, with strong three-point shooting (36%). Their bench has contributed 38+ points in wins, but turnovers (15 per game) have cost them in losses.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Points For/Against (Last 5) | FG% (Season) | 3PT% (Season) |
| Boston Celtics | 2-3 | L1 | 110.2 / 114.8 | 45.8% | 36.1% |
| Toronto Raptors | 3-2 | W1 | 112.4 / 108.6 | 46.2% | 35.8% |
Series History
The Celtics lead the all-time regular-season series against the Raptors 74-43 in 117 games. In playoffs, they’ve met multiple times, with Boston holding an edge. Recently, Boston is 9-1 in their last 10 vs. Toronto, including a 12-1 SU run in the last 13. Games average 210.8 points in the last 10, with the home team winning 6 times. This is the second of four scheduled matchups this season, following Boston’s win earlier.
Betting Trends
Boston is favored on the road, with lines showing Celtics -1.5 and total 223.5. Trends: Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. Toronto; over has hit in 4 of Boston’s last 5 road games. Raptors are 13-15 ATS overall but 7-7 at home; under has cashed in 5 of Toronto’s last 7. Head-to-head, Boston is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings, and the under has hit in 6 of 10. League-wide December trends favor unders in 52% of games involving injury-hit teams.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 2.5
Toronto Raptors 224.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
