These two like throwing the dukes up actually early huh?
For the fourth time within the final seven seasons, the Raptors and Celtics conflict within the second sport. Three of these 4 contests have been in Boston, so that is nothing new. The Celtics are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Knicks within the runaway winner for the ‘manner too early sport of the 12 months’ award. Nevertheless they wanted a miracle only for that sport to even attain time beyond regulation, after which ultimately double OT. That is the primary leg of a back-to-back, because the Raptors will journey again to Toronto to face Dallas on Saturday.
I’ll be keeping track of three issues particularly:
1. OG vs the Celtics all-star wings
Anunoby had a forgettable season debut vs the Wizards, capturing 3-17 from the sphere for 12 factors. It is a good early season take a look at vs Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and it’s anticipated Anunoby will take turns guarding each as the sport goes on. Brown had a spectacular 46 factors in New York, together with 8-14 from three. A kind of was not less than a 30 footer which is partially why that sport went to time beyond regulation within the first place. Tatum had quiet 20 factors, and each all-stars took 30 photographs. 29 threes tried between the 2 as properly, so the primary defensive focus is apparent. Seeing how Anunoby responds from a poor offensive efficiency the earlier sport will probably be fascinating, as he will get was a principal focus for defensive sport plans as properly.
2. Offence usually
Simply extra familiarity and circulation usually. No Raptor scored greater than 12 factors vs Washington, as Toronto ended the sport capturing 30 p.c from the sphere and 20 p.c from three. So clearly that received’t lower it.
3. Nick Nurse’s rotations
A lot of rotation debate amongst followers, not simply from the primary sport however actually a majority of the preseason. Would Goran Dragic be higher suited main a younger bench as an alternative of beginning alongside Fred VanVleet, which appears to be slowing down the quick tempo the Raptors need? Ought to Khem Birch be beginning like he did on the finish of final season for Treasured Achiuwa? Chris Boucher can be within the combine. What lineups are finest to suit with Gary Trent Jr? None of those questions will probably be definitively answered till Pascal Siakam returns and a few kind of hierarchy begins to develop. Nevertheless the pattern dimension of what works and what doesn’t will develop. Dalano Banton made the preseason battle between these two a few weeks in the past actually enjoyable, creating havoc on each ends of the court docket. Rexdale’s very personal was a sport changer in opposition to Washington. What does this imply for Malachi Flynn?
Sport Information
Tip-off: 7:30pm EDT | TV: Sportsnet | Radio: TSN 1050
Raptors Lineup
Yuta Watanabe (calf) is out. Pascal is a methods away nonetheless. Lineup topic to alter.
PG: Goran Dragic, Dalano Banton, Malachi Flynn
SG: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr, David Johnson
SF: OG Anunoby, Svi Mykhailiuk, Justin Champagnie, Sam Dekker, Isaac Bonga
PF: Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher
C: Treasured Achiuwa, Khem Birch
Celtics Lineup
Josh Richardson is possible to make his Celtics debut after lacking the opener with a migraine. Marcus Sensible (knee) can be possible. Al Horford (questionable) has been reconditioning after testing constructive for COVID-19 earlier this month. Topic to alter.
PG: Marcus Sensible, Dennis Schroder, Payton Prichard
SG: Jaylen Brown, Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, Brodric Thomas
SF: Jayson Tatum, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser
PF: Grant Williams, Juancho Hernangomez, Jabari Parker
C: Robert Williams III, Enes Kanter, Bruno Fernando
The Line
Boston is favoured by 6.5 factors. The over/beneath is 219. The Wizards and Raptors mixed for under 181 factors, nonetheless the Celtics had 134 (116 in regulation).
Tip Jamar Hinds
Gameday: Raptors @ Celtics, October 22 originated on Raptors Republic.
