Raptors vs Celtics: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics

Date & time: Wednesday, December 25, 12:00 PM ET (5:00 PM GMT)

Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.

Preview-

A record comeback against Dallas Mavericks for Toronto Raptors was soon followed by a loss against Indiana Pacers. Although Serge Ibaka, Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet scored over 20 points, they were outscored by the Pacers with the final score reading 120-1115. It was the Raptor’s first loss in six games.

They will face a similar challenge, if not greater, facing Boston Celtics on Christmas afternoon. The Celtics are currently placed second in the Eastern Conference of NBA with a win-loss record of 20-7. They have only lost twice in the last nine games. They will be into the Christmas fixture having won against Charlotte Hornets.

Injury updates & team news-

Toronto Raptors-

Injuries: Marc Gasol (Hamstring strain)- Out, Pascal Siakam (groin)- Out, Norman Powell (shoulder)- Out, Matt Thomas (Finger)- Out, Stanley Johnson (Groin)- Out, Dewan Hernandez (Ankle)- day-to-day.

Expected starting line-up: Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Patrick McCaw, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka

Boston Celtics-

Injuries: Marcus Smart (Eyes)- Questionable, Gordon Hayward- Probable, Vincent (Fractured finger)- Out, Robert Williams III (Bone endema)- Out

Expected starting line-up:

Players to watch out & predictions-

Kemba Walker is leading the Boston Celtics in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game, apart from contributing with 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Jayson Tatum isn’t far behind with an average of 21.6 points per game.

Jaylen Brown (19.8 ppg), Gordon Hayward (17.5 ppg) and Marcus Smart (11.8 ppg) have also performed well.

For the Raptors, Pascal Siakam averages a team high 25.1 points, but is out with an injury. Among the players available on Wednesday, Kyle Lowry has averaged 20.2 points per game, and Fred VanVleet 17.6 ppg.

The Raptors will be looking to go for their 22nd victory in the season, but will be difficult against a Celtics side who have lost only one game at home.