Celtics vs. Raptors: How to watch, TV channel, start time (Jan. 4)

The Celtics and Raptors have sputtered in the early goings of the season as the two prepare to square off on Monday night.

The Boston Celtics will be looking for its second straight victory on Monday night when it visits the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 4, 2021.

If you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Celtics are coming off of a 122-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night but are one of the Eastern Conference’s early-season surprises, having gone just 4-3 in its first seven contests. Despite being admirably led by the dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics are missing starting point guard Kemba Walker and have at least shown to be somewhat susceptible to struggles in the playmaking department.

The Raptors, similarly, haven’t been gotten off to a stellar start this season, either.

The return of Pascal Siakam from what was effectively a one-game suspension against the New York Knicks on Thursdsy night wasn’t enough to help the Raptors topple the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, as the club suffered a 120-116 loss to New Orleans to drop to 1-4 on the season. Only the 1-5 Detroit Pistons have a worse record.

Both teams will be looking to reverse fortunes on Monday.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Jan. 4, 2021
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston, SportsNet

Probable starting lineups

Boston Celtics

  • Marcus Smart
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Tristan Thompson
  • Daniel Theis

Toronto Raptors

  • Fred VanVleet
  • Kyle Lowry
  • OG Anunoby
  • Pascal Siakam
  • Aron Baynes

The action will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET, and when it’s all said and done, the Raptors — desperate to avoid a 1-5 start to their season — will be hoping to have avoided that fate.

Already without Kemba Walker, though, the Celtics will be further limited by an ankle twist suffered by Jeff Teague, so a victory for them is far from a guarantee, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.

[jwplayer DFrswmLT-z6KDnl0B]