The Toronto Raptors host the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
Toronto Raptors Preview
The Raptors (9-31) recently ended a five-game losing streak by securing a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. Prior to that, Toronto had only won two of their past 18 games. This win marks the Raptors’ second win in a row this season, a feat they’ve achieved only twice.
Key players for the Raptors include:
- Chris Boucher: Scored 17 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter against Golden State.
- Jakob Poeltl: Notched a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The Raptors have struggled with consistency, especially without guard Immanuel Quickley, who will miss Wednesday’s game with a left hip/groin strain. Quickley has averaged 16.2 points and 6.1 assists in nine appearances this season.
Boston Celtics Preview
The Celtics (28-11) are coming off a narrow 120-119 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 38 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, the Celtics have maintained a strong performance despite a 7-6 stretch.
Key players for the Celtics include:
- Jayson Tatum: Averaging 29.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
- Jaylen Brown: Chipping in with 25.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Despite their recent ups and downs, the Celtics have managed to defeat the Raptors twice this season, both times in Boston. They won 126-123 in overtime on November 16 and 125-71 on December 31.
Key Matchup
The key matchup to watch will be between Jayson Tatum and Jakob Poeltl. Both players play pivotal roles for their respective teams and can significantly impact the game’s outcome with their performances. Additionally, the battle between the Raptors’ bench, led by Chris Boucher, and the Celtics’ depth will be crucial.
