Boston Celtics Host Struggling Toronto Raptors: Injury Updates and Game Preview

The Boston Celtics are set to host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, November 17, 2024, at TD Garden, with the Celtics looking to extend their dominance over their Atlantic Division rivals. The Celtics, boasting a 10-3 record and second place in the Eastern Conference, are coming off a strong 139-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on the road[5][6].

In contrast, the Raptors are struggling with a league-worst 2-11 record and are on a six-game losing streak. Their latest loss came at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, with a 99-95 defeat at home on Friday. The Raptors have been plagued by injuries, with key players Scottie Barnes, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Immanuel Quickley all out due to various injuries[2][5][6].

The Celtics will be without starting point guard Jrue Holiday, who will miss his first game of the season due to left knee tendinopathy. This could slightly impact their lineup, but the team’s recent form suggests they are well-equipped to handle the absence. Jayson Tatum, who had a stellar performance against the Nets with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, will be a key player to watch[2][5][6].

The matchup is heavily favored towards the Celtics, with odds makers listing them as 16.5-point favorites. The Celtics have a strong recent history against the Raptors, having won eight straight and nine of the last ten head-to-head matchups[3][5].

For the Raptors, Jakob Poeltl has been a bright spot, averaging 14.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. He had a notable performance against the Pistons with 25 points and 19 rebounds, and his interior scoring could be a challenge for the Celtics, who have weaknesses in defending the paint[4][5].