After cruising through their first round match-ups, the Celtics and Raptors meet up in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Although they both one four straight games, the path to this point looked quite different. The Celtics effectively killed The Process, getting Brett Brown fired in the process. Three out of the four games were decided by 10 points or less, but the Celtics were clearly the better team. The Raptors however steam rolled the short handed Nets, taking them down by 20+ in three out of the four games.
1st Round Takeaways
Celtics
Rebounding was an issue for Boston, specifically in game three. The Sixers held a 13 board advantage, including losing the battle 3-20 on the offensive glass. The Raptors have lots of bigs who love to bang the boards. Three Raptors average over 7 boards per game (Lowry, Siakam, and Ibaka). Ideally, Enes Kanter gives them a big advantage on the glass, but does provide a liability on defense. The Raptors have grabbed the second most rebounds in the playoffs so far, compared to the Celtics 10th place spot.
Throughout the series, the Celtics struggled to stop Joel Embiid offensively. This led to an unnecessary amount of foul calls, over 24 a game. The Raptors converted on 79.6% of their free throws during the regular season, good for 6th in the NBA.
Jayson Tatum had himself quite the series, averaging 27 points per game, to go along with almost 10 boards. He did so efficiently, shooting 48% from the field and 45% from 3. In addition, Kemba Walker returned to his pre-injury form, averaging 24 points a game.
Call it the luck of the Irish, but the Celtics did a really good job forcing turnovers and holding on to the ball in their end. Not only did they hold a +6 advantage in the turnover battle, they also had the lowest turnover numbers (10.5) through the first four games of the first round.
Raptors
Not a lot went wrong for Toronto in Orlando, leading the playoffs in PPG, assists, and 2nd in FG%. The scoring was split quite evenly, with six Raptors scoring in double figures and four players scoring 15+ per game.
Fred VanVleet provided a huge lift in this series, scoring 21 points per game to go along with 8 assists. He shined in Game 1, dropping 30 points and 11 assists on 11/15 shooting, including 8/10 from 3. He is a huge X factor, capable of turning on the heat when he gets going.
One of the things to look out for is Kyle Lowry’s sprained ankle. He is currently questionable for Game 1. He is the unquestioned leader for the team and any game he misses would be a huge loss to the Raptors.
Season’s Meetings
October 25th: Raptors 106 @ Celtics 112
One of the most exciting games between the two teams. It featured 12 ties and 19 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Kemba Walker came up big in the game, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter and converted on 8 of 17 shots after missing his first 5. The Celtics shot poorly from the field, hitting only 38% of their shots compared to the Raptors 47%. The Celtics got in done in the turnover battle, winning 23-10. In addition to the turnover battle, second chance points killed the Raptors as the Celtics won on the offensive glass 21-5.
December 25th: Celtics 118 @ Raptors 102
Jaylen Brown dropped 30 points on an efficient 10/13 shooting en route to a big win for Boston. Former G League standout Chris Boucher had himself a game, dropping a career high 24 points on 7/10 shooting. One of the biggest storylines was Enes Kanter travelling outside of the US for the first time since 2015. Kanter was accused of being in a terrorist group by the Turkish government and an international arrest warrant was issued against him. The Celtics destroyed the Raptors on the glass 55-39 and led by as many as 22 points.
December 28th: Raptors 113 @ Celtics 97
The Celtics shot a dismal 22% from 3 and the Raptors took their first game of the season over their Atlantic rival. Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry combined for 50 points on 61% shooting. In addition the Raptors out boarded the Celtics 60-41 in a game the Celtics never led.
August 7th: Celtics 122 vs Raptors 100
Their final meeting took place in the bubble as the Celtics rolled to take a 3-1 season series lead. The Celtics led by as many as 40 points and dominated in almost every category. Seven Celtics scored 10+ points including Gordon Hayward putting together a near triple double with 9-9-8. The Raptors put up a surprising 38 threes, converted on only 10 of them, good for 28%.
X Factors
Celtics: Jayson Tatum
Getting into the conversation of top 10 player in the league is huge. Tatum has been on a scoring tear and is beginning to look more and more comfortable dropping buckets on everyone. The Raptors have one of the best defenses in the league, capable of sending the kitchen sink at Tatum. Especially with Hayward out, the Celtics need their young star to carry the offensive load yet again to keep them afloat in the NBA playoffs.
Raptors: Fred VanVleet
Since the birth of his son last season, VanVleet has been one of the best playoff performers, period. The former Shocker guard can do just about whatever the Raptors have asked of him. With Lowry potentially out for Game 1, VanVleet will likely make the start at PG. He is working is way up to a potential max contract player (looking at you New York Knicks) and needs more big games to help his case.
Prediction
This is going to be a heavyweight fight and will likely go the distance. Ultimately, the scoring stars from Boston will be too much for the Raptors to match. Tatum goes for 40 once during the series and the Celtics move on to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
Celtics in 7
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