The Boston Celtics are getting ready to play the Toronto Raptors in their second-ever NBA In-Season Tournament game on Friday night. For the Group C match, they might be without a few important players, though.
Boston’s injury report featured Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Al Horford. Porzingis and Brown sat out versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, but the C’s still managed to get the tough win on the road. They both remain questionable for the Raptors’ game, as Brown is dealing with an illness and the C’s are being cautious with Porzingis’ right knee contusion.
Horford, who hit some clutch shots against Philly, is listed as probable. He suffered a left toe sprain, yet it’s not hard to imagine the 37-year-old veteran suiting up anyway against Toronto.
The Celtics aren’t the only banged-up team in this In-Season Tournament showdown. Toronto forward OG Anunoby is doubtful with a finger laceration, which he ironically sustained last week while doing chores at home.
Meanwhile, Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. is probable after missing the last three games due to plantar fasciitis. The sharp-shooter sat out for the last meeting between the C’s and Raptors, which saw Boston prevail 117-94.
Drama between Celtics and Raptors?
Although this is still an early season game, there could be some added interest given what happened last time the two Eastern Conference foes met. The Celtics were up big late in the fourth quarter and instead of speeding the game up, head coach Joe Mazzulla challenged an out-of-bounds call. Toronto took exception to this controversial decision and Raptors guard Dennis Schroder especially disliked the call, per Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
“You won, it’s three minutes left. You shouldn’t disrespect us like that,” he said.
Point differential counts in Friday night’s NBA In-Season Tournament game, so there shouldn’t be any “garbage time.” The Raptors are 5-6 on the season and have not yet played in the new tournament, while Boston is 1-0 in group play with a 9-2 overall record.
