Another season of Toronto Raptors basketball is here! On Wednesday evening they prevailed in their season opener 106-99 at home versus the Pacers. Tonight they go on the road to take on the Celtics in Boston.
(1-0) Toronto Raptors @ (1-0) Boston Celtics
Probable starting line-ups:
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – DeMar DeRozan C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – DeMarre Carroll PF – Luis Scola
Boston – PG – Marcus Smart SG – Avery Bradley C – Tyler Zeller SF – Jae Crowder PF – David Lee
Stats Leaders:
Toronto – PPG – DeMar DeRozan 25.0 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 15.0 APG – DeMar DeRozan 6.0
Boston – PPG – Isaiah Thomas 27.0 RPG – Jared Sullinger 7.0 APG – Isaiah Thomas 7.0
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
Toronto – PF – 106.0 (9th) PA – 99.0 (13th)
Boston – PF – 112.0 (1st) PA – 95.0 (9th)
Overview:
The Toronto Raptors started out their season with a 106-99 victory at home versus the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan led the team in scoring with 25 points. He also had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. He shot 7 of 17 from the field, 10 of 16 from the free throw line, and 1 of 2 from the 3 point line. Starting point guard Kyle Lowry netted 23 points. He also had 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. He shot 8 of 17 from the field, 5 of 6 from the free throw line, and 2 of 4 from the 3 point line. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas notched a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. He shot 8 of 11 from the field and 5 of 6 from the the free throw line. Starting small forward DeMarre Carroll made his Raptors debut as he scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. He also had 4 assists and 2 steals. He shot 5 of 14 from the field, 3 of 6 from the free throw line, and 1 of 4 from the 3 point line. The team shot 45% from the field, 69.2% from the free throw line, and 38.9% from the 3 point line. They out-rebounded their opposition 50-40. After 1 quarter the Raptors trailed 30-20 but outscored the Pacers 86-69 the rest of the way. Tonight is their first road game of the season. A season ago they were 22-19 away from home. Last season Toronto was 11-5 versus Atlantic division opponents. Their next game after tonight is Sunday November 1st at home versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Boston Celtics began their season on a high note as they cruised to a 112-95 win at home versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Backup point guard Isaiah Thomas led the team in scoring with 27 points. He also had 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds. He shot 10 of 19 from the field, 6 of 7 from the free throw line, and 1 of 6 from the 3 point line. Backup power forward Amir Johnson had 15 points and 7 rebounds. He also had 2 blocks. He shot 6 of 11 from the field, 2 of 2 from the free throw line, and 1 of 2 from the 3 point line. Starting small forward Jae Crowder had 14 points. He also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He shot 4 of 7 from the field, 4 of 4 from the free throw line, and 2 of 4 from the 3 point line. Starting point guard Marcus Smart contributed with 13 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. He shot 3 of 8 from the field, 4 of 4 from the free throw line, and 3 of 6 from the 3 point line. Backup power forward Jared Sullinger chipped in with 12 points. He also had 7 rebounds and 2 assists. He shot 6 of 8 from the field. Starting power forward David Lee made his Celtics’ debut as he scored 8 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. The team shot 45.9% from the field, 96.3% from the free throw line, and 33.3% from the 3 point line. They were out-rebounded 47-41. They forced the 76ers in to 22 turnovers. Tonight is their 2nd home game of the season. A season ago they were 21-20 at home. Last season Boston was 12-4 versus Atlantic division opponents. Their next game after this evening is Sunday November 1st at home versus the San Antonio Spurs.
Last season Toronto and Boston split their 4 meetings. On November 5th the Raptors hung on for a 110-107 road win at Boston. On January 10th 2015, the Raptors scored a 109-96 home win. On April 4th 2015, the Celtics won a nail-biter 117-116 in overtime at Toronto. On April 14th 2015, the Celtics notched a 95-93 home victory.Toronto leads the season series with Boston 2-1.On November 5th the Raptors notched a 110-107 road victory, on January 10th the Raptors grabbed a 109-96 home win, and on April 4th the Celtics held on for a 117-116 overtime road victory. Tonight is the 1st of 4 meetings between the 2 teams this season.
Prediction:
I really like the look of the Raptors starting lineup now that they have DeMarre Carroll. He’s going to be the guy to get the hustle stats for the team and it’s something they need. The Raptors will need to find a way to stop the Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas. This should be a good one but I like the Raptors. Take the Raptors +1.5 (1.90) (Bet365)
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