Raptors Look to Keep Momentum Alive Against Slumping Celtics in Saturday Showdown
The Toronto Raptors are heating up at just the right time. With back-to-back wins under their belt, they’ll look to stretch that streak to three when they host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. It’s a matchup with real implications in the Eastern Conference standings - the Raptors are eyeing a top-three spot, while the Celtics are trying to halt a two-game slide and reassert themselves as one of the East’s elite.
This one’s not just about standings, though. It’s about measuring sticks.
Toronto dropped the last meeting with Boston and now has a chance to even the season series before heading out on a grueling holiday road trip. A win here would be more than just another W - it would be a statement.
Raptors’ Core Finding Its Rhythm
Toronto’s recent surge has been powered by some standout individual performances. Brandon Ingram has been in full-on bucket-getting mode, averaging 29.5 points over his last four games.
That includes a 30-point outing the last time these two teams met. He’s been aggressive, efficient, and confident - exactly what the Raptors need from their top scorer.
Scottie Barnes, meanwhile, is doing a bit of everything - and doing it well. He’s posted two double-doubles in the last four games and has been a defensive force, racking up over four stocks (steals + blocks) in each of the last two contests. His versatility on both ends continues to be a cornerstone of Toronto’s identity.
And then there’s Jamal Shead. The rookie guard has been a rare bright spot off the bench for a second unit that’s struggled to find consistency.
He’s tallied double-digit assists in each of the Raptors’ last two wins and dropped 18 points in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Knicks. His playmaking has brought much-needed pace and structure to the second group.
That trio will need to keep producing, because the Celtics - even in a bit of a funk - are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Celtics Still Dangerous, Even Without Tatum
Boston may be without Jayson Tatum, who’s still working his way back from the Achilles injury he suffered in the 2025 playoffs, but don’t mistake that for a lack of firepower.
Jaylen Brown has stepped into the lead role and is thriving. He’s been on a scoring tear over the past month and is getting to the free-throw line with regularity - always a sign that a player is in rhythm and playing downhill. He’s the engine now, and slowing him down will be Toronto’s top priority.
Payton Pritchard, fresh off winning Sixth Man of the Year last season, has been promoted to the starting lineup. But the adjustment hasn’t been seamless.
He’s hit a rough patch lately, including a 28.6% shooting night against Milwaukee. Still, he’s a capable shooter who can get hot in a hurry, and the Raptors can’t afford to let him find his groove.
Derrick White remains a key piece as well - a two-way guard who can hurt you from deep or on the drive. If the Raptors focus too much on Brown, White is fully capable of making them pay.
Toronto’s Frontcourt Depth Being Tested
The Raptors are dealing with some notable absences. RJ Barrett remains out with a knee injury, and his presence on the wing - particularly defensively - is missed. But the bigger concern might be Jakob Poeltl, who’s listed as day-to-day with a back issue.
Poeltl’s absence exposes a thin frontcourt rotation, and that’s a problem when facing a Celtics team that can punish you inside and out. While Boston’s scoring often comes from the perimeter, their ability to collapse defenses and finish at the rim means Toronto’s lack of a true interior anchor could be a major issue.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has stepped into a starting role, but he’s more of a stretch big than a traditional rim protector. The Raptors may need to get creative defensively - perhaps leaning into zone looks or switching schemes - to make up for the size disadvantage.
What’s at Stake
For Toronto, this game is about more than just keeping a win streak alive. It’s about proving they belong in the conversation with the East’s best.
So far this season, they’ve racked up wins against teams that are either rebuilding, banged up, or simply underperforming. But wins against top-tier, playoff-proven squads have been harder to come by.
Beating the Celtics - even without Tatum - would be a legitimate statement. It would give the Raptors a psychological edge heading into the holiday stretch and solidify their place near the top of the standings. Lose, and the questions about their ceiling start to get louder.
For Boston, it’s about stopping the bleeding. A third straight loss would be their longest skid of the season and could raise concerns about how they’re managing without their franchise player. But with Brown playing at an All-NBA level and plenty of depth behind him, this is still a team that can beat anyone on any given night.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Jaylen Brown vs. Scottie Barnes: Expect Barnes to draw the primary assignment on Brown.
It’s a tall task, but Barnes has the length, strength, and instincts to at least make things difficult.
- Brandon Ingram vs. Derrick White: Ingram’s scoring has been elite lately, and White is Boston’s best perimeter defender.
This could be the swing matchup of the night.
- Bench Battle: Jamal Shead has been a spark plug for Toronto, but Boston’s second unit - even with Pritchard now starting - still brings experience and shooting. If Shead can outplay his counterparts, the Raptors could tilt the game in their favor.
The Bottom Line
This is a measuring-stick game for Toronto. The Raptors are playing confident basketball, but they’re about to face a Celtics team that’s hungry to bounce back and still loaded with talent. If Toronto wants to be taken seriously as a top-tier team in the East, this is the kind of game they have to win - gritty, competitive, and against a team that’s used to winning.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EST on TSN. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere - and a chance for the Raptors to show they’re more than just a feel-good story.
Injury Report:
- Toronto: Jakob Poeltl (Day-to-day - back) RJ Barrett (Out - knee)
- Boston: No reported injuries
Projected Starters - Toronto:
Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Ochai Agbaji, Immanuel Quickley, Sandro Mamukelashvili