How will Boston reply after a disappointing loss?
The Celtics had been using excessive after a robust December and wins of their first three video games of 2026. That momentum got here to an abrupt halt Wednesday night time with a 114-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Dropping to one of many Western Convention’s prime groups is normally not trigger for concern, however this defeat raised eyebrows. Denver was with out a number of of its prime gamers, making the loss extra stunning.
Hopefully Boston will use this loss as a lesson that although the opposition was lacking key gamers, the individuals moving into their footwear are enjoying for future enjoying time so that they’re at all times going to present extra effort as they’re attempting to make a reputation for themselves. I’m positive Joe Mazzulla preached that they’ll’t take any opponents evenly and will probably be on the lookout for a response towards the Toronto Raptors.
Can Boston stay unbeaten towards the Raptors?
Friday’s recreation marks the third assembly between Boston and Toronto this season, with the Celtics successful the primary two.
The groups first met Dec. 7 in Toronto, the place Boston earned a 121-113 victory. The Celtics constructed a 23-point lead earlier than the Raptors mounted a late run. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 30 factors, whereas Derrick White supplied a significant offensive enhance with 27 factors and 6 three-pointers.
That win prolonged Boston’s successful streak to 5 video games and moved the Celtics into third place within the Japanese Convention standings.
The second assembly got here Dec. 20, additionally in Toronto. Boston overcame a mixed 49 factors from Brandon Ingram and Sandro Mamukelashvili regardless of enjoying with out Brown. Toronto was lacking RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl.
Payton Pritchard stepped into a bigger offensive function, ending with 33 factors, 10 assists and 7 rebounds.
Rookie Hugo Gonzalez had probably the greatest performances of his younger profession, posting a team-high plus-37. He recorded a double-double with 10 factors and 10 rebounds, together with two steals.
Can Boston decelerate Toronto’s offense?
Toronto options vital offensive firepower. Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Poeltl all current scoring threats throughout the ground.
Ingram leads the staff at 22.2 factors per recreation, with Barrett (19.2), Barnes (19.1) and Quickley (16.2) shut behind. Any of the 4 can emerge because the main scorer on any given night time, making defensive consistency essential for Boston.
With scoring threats at each place, Boston’s wing defenders will play a key function. Gonzalez, Sam Hauser, Brown and Jordan Walsh will want sturdy defensive performances if the Celtics hope to maneuver to 3-0 towards Toronto this season.
The Raptors enter the matchup having gained 5 of their final six video games, together with a victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
