Celtics (23-14) at Raptors (24-13): Preview

The Raptors face the Celtics in game two of the four-game regular season series against their Atlantic Division rivals. Toronto came out with win in their first matchup. However, the situation is different this time around; with Isaiah Thomas being on a tear lately, the outcome is anything but predictable.

Just a few weeks ago the Raptors were sitting comfortably at second seed in the East, five games ahead the Celtics who are now trailing by a single game. At present, Toronto has lost five of their last seven games; a third straight loss tonight would tie both teams’ records for second position.

Isaiah Thomas has been on a tear lately, to say the least. The underdog has lead the Celtics to win 10 of their last twelve games while averaging 31.4 points throughout this stretch. While Thomas’ overall scoring has been nothing short of outstanding thus far, the Celtics haven’t received the same results from Al Horford. Averaging 15.4 points per game, the four-time all-star has been nothing more than decent; yet, at a cost of $113M, it’s fair to say that Celtics fans would like to see their center average a double-double rather than 15 points and career-low 6.7 rebounds per game.

Dec 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the second half at TD Garden. Toronto defeated the Celtics 101-94. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors have struggled against the elite teams of the NBA all throughout this season, and especially in recent games as they start off the new year 2-3. At present, the Raps have lost consecutive close games at the mercy of the Bulls and the Rockets; for that, you can blame Jimmy Butler and James Harden. Both Raptors killers went off in their respective games against Toronto; Butler scored 42 points and Harden 40 points. In order to avoid similar outcome tonight, the Raptors need to be locked in defensively to prevent Isaiah Thomas from having another one of those 40-point game he’s repeatedly had this season.

3 keys to raptors victory

Dec 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Toronto defeated the Celtics 101-94. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion & Final Score

A loss tonight would mean three consecutive losses for the Raptors and a tie in the second seed of the East; perhaps this fact alone could drive them to maintain an intense level of play when they would usually begin to slow down. Despite Toronto’s recent struggles and Isaiah Thomas’ hot streak, I predict the Raps will keep the second seed in the East for the time being.

Raptors 106 – Celtics 98

All stats provided by www.ESPN.com unless stated otherwise.