The Boston Celtics are leading the Toronto Raptors two games to none in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series, and look to make it a commanding 3 – 0 lead as they become the ‘home’ team in the Disney bubble restart’s neutral site format.
If there is any benefit from the virtual courtside fans, the Celtics will need it, as this looks to be a pitched battle with the Raptors likely to push their hardest yet for a win to avoid ending up in a virtually insurmountable hole.
The injury situation remains the same for both teams, with the Celtics still without veteran forward Gordon Hayward (ankle), Tremont Waters (knee) and Javonte Green (knee), the latter of which has returned to the bubble.
How to watch or stream Boston Celtics-Toronto Raptors Game 3, Round 2 https://t.co/JY76sxPki5
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 3, 2020
As far as what we can expect to see in terms of adjustments, it’s likely the Raptors will roll with a similar game plan as in Game 2, given it took five straight three-pointers from Marcus Smart to secure the win. We may see a bit more zone defense, given it seemed to bother Boston a bit.
Both teams will try to tighten up their play, as both had long sequences of sloppy play that could have changed the course of the game in their previous meeting. We expect another tight game at the Celtics Wire, our prediction going to the Celtics with a 107 – 105 win.
Most online bookmakers continue to favor the Raptors, but again very slightly with Boston getting a +1.5 spread.
[lawrence-related id=41373,41367,41361,41357]