Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics will play the first conference semi-final in the 2020 NBA playoffs. A huge fixture that will give the fans a thrilling experience, we feel. It is the reigning champs versus a Boston team that looks to be the best in recent times. With that being said, who will get the early advantage by winning Game 1? 

Boston came into the playoffs as the #3 seed in the east, one place behind the Raptors. Both teams are coming on the back of 4-0 sweeps in the first round. The Celtics dominated the Sixers, while the Raptors brushed aside a wounded Brooklyn Nets. However, these two teams face a minor setback in Game 1, due to injuries. 

Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics: Injury Updates

The biggest injury blow for the Celtics is Gordon Hayward’s nasty ankle twist. The 30-year-old forward landed awkwardly on his right leg in Game 1, forcing him out of the rest of the series. Hayward recently exited the bubble, and it’s for two reasons: One being his injury rehab and the other for the birth of his child. 

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27-year-old NBA rookie Javonte Green underwent surgery on his knee a week ago and is expected to miss the series. His return timetable is slated to be in the next two-three weeks as per Jay King of ‘The Athletic.’ 

Moreover, as per CBS Sports, 22YO point guard Tremont Waters will also be unavailable to play due to a knee sprain. Waters did not play the entire series against Philly, which in turn raises doubts about his participation in the second round. 

As for the Raptors, they seem to have a healthier lineup when compared to their opponents. A major scare came through Kyle Lowry when he made an early exit from Game against the Nets. However, the Toronto faithful is back in practice and is expected to play in Game 1. 

Nick Nurse still does not have Oshae Brisset and Patrick McCaw back from their knee injuries. Although coach Nurse doesn’t have these two in his main plans, having backups are always essential during the business end of the season. 

Expected line-ups and predictions for Game 1

Celtics

The Celtics have a tremendous athlete as a replacement for injured starter Gordon Hayward. They’ve found success when Marcus Smart has put in valuable performances for the team, setting fort on the defensive end of the court. With Hayward out for the next few weeks, Smart will undoubtedly be the fifth starter for the Celtics. 

Kemba Walker (G)

Marcus Smart (G)

Jayson Tatum (F)

Jaylen Brown (F)

Daniel Theis (C)

Raptors

Kyle Lowry coming back fit for Game 1 is a huge boost. Due to his arrival, Toronto can fire ahead with their strongest starting five. 

Fred VanVleet (G)

Kyle Lowry (G)

OG Anunoby (F)

Pascal Siakm (F)

Marc Gasol (C)

When it comes to depth, the Raptors have the edge over the Celtics. However, this factor will play a part when the series stretches past Game 5 or 6. For the opening game, all that matters is the intensity that the teams begin with. 

Moreover, the Celtics are the only team to have defeated the Raptors inside the bubble. Toronto was outplayed by a 20-point margin in a game where the Celtics displayed a tremendous performance as a unit. 

We feel the Raptors might come out as the winners in the series, but Boston might draw early blood. Both teams are riding on the back of 4-0 victories. For Game 1, Boston Celtics is our pick to gain an early advantage. If Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can fire right from the first game, it will be advantage Boston in Game 1 and the rest of the series.