The Toronto Raptors will need to be on their game if they’re going to start breaking out of their slump on Sunday.
The Boston Celtics arrive at Scotiabank Arena on a four-game winning streak ahead of their matinee matchup against the Raptors.
The action tips off just after 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 PT on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+.
Toronto is coming off one of its worst losses of the season, a 111-86 rout at the hands of the 7-16 Charlotte Hornets. It was the lowest point total the Raptors have recorded this season, with their leading scorer, Brandon Ingram, posting a season-low seven points.
Sunday’s contest against the Celtics will also serve as a tune-up ahead of their NBA Cup quarterfinal game on Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
It’s been a rollercoaster campaign thus far for the Raptors; they’ve lost four of their last five games after previously rattling off a nine-game win streak, tied for fourth longest in franchise history. Toronto also started its season by losing four of five.
Ingram has struggled, averaging 16.8 points on 37.8 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from three-point range over his last five games, all well below his numbers both on the season and over his career.
Immanuel Quickley was the Raptors’ lone bright spot against the Hornets, scoring a season-high 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting while hitting four-of-10 triples. However, the sharpshooting guard has been listed on the Raptors’ injury report as questionable due to illness.
Jamison Battle is doubtful against the Celtics after sustaining a left ankle sprain on Friday against Charlotte. After the game, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković said that Battle underwent imaging and was clear, describing the wing as “day-to-day.” RJ Barrett also remains out with a right knee sprain and was not participating in team activities when his status was last updated on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have rounded into form after a slow start by their standards. Boston has won six of its last seven games, buoyed by Jaylen Brown‘s scoring and excellent guard play by Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Brown is averaging 33.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists and has put up two 40-point games during Boston’s hot streak. Pritchard also scored over 40 in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 30 and is averaging a career-high 17.2 points – stepping into the starting lineup after winning Sixth Man of the Year last season.
Pritchard has filled the void left after Celtics star Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles during last season’s playoffs. Aside from Tatum, Boston’s injury report is clear.
