The Toronto Raptors (48-21) and their fifth-ranked offense travel to Boston (41-30) to take on the Celtics and their fourth-ranked defense. Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 23 and can be seen on CNE and TS2.
The Celtics enter this game hoping for similar success after topping the Magic 107-96 on Monday. Isaiah Thomas was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting. The Raptors, meanwhile, are coming off a 105-100 win against that same Magic squad on Sunday. DeMar DeRozan led the game in scoring by registering 25 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
Kyle Lowry has been hot over the last five games for the Raptors, averaging 27.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 3.2 three-pointers.
It will be a showdown of conflicting tempos, as the up-and-down Celtics (ranked third in the NBA in possessions per game) will look to push the slow-paced Raptors (29th in possessions per game). Also, the Raptors’s fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 108.3) will face off against the fourth-ranked defense of the Celtics (defensive efficiency of 101.3).
The Raptors have emerged victorious in all three games against the Celtics this year, including a 105-91 win the last time these two teams met. Lowry was the game’s top overall scorer with 32 points.
Notes
Boston has a stellar 29-3 record when it gives up under 100 points this season. Toronto is 11-8 when it puts up under 100.
The Boston Celtics have a losing 12-27 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Toronto Raptors are 37-13 when they hit triple digits.
The Celtics have an offensive rating of 104.2 (ranked 13th). The Raptors rank 11th for their defensive rating of 103.1.
The Boston Celtics average 101.7 possessions per game and 1.042 points per possession, while the Toronto Raptors earn fewer possessions (95.1) but more points per possession (1.083).
The Toronto Raptors average an effective field goal percentage of 50.4% this season. The Boston Celtics have an underachieving record of 7-21 when opponents have an EFF% of 50.4% or greater.
The Boston Celtics rank fifth in assists per game, making an average of 24.4. The Toronto Raptors are among the worst in the league with 18.4 assists per game (ranked 29th).
Boston makes an average of 4.3 blocks per game (ranked 23rd). Toronto ranks higher in blocks with 5.3 (ranked 12th).
The Boston Celtics rank third in offensive rebounding, while the Toronto Raptors rank 20th in defensive rebounding.
The Boston Celtics rank second in steals, with an average of 9.4 per game. When the Toronto Raptors allow at least 9 steals, they have an outstanding 12-3 record.
