Toronto Raptors: Classifying Potential Playoff Matchups as Good or Bad

Boston Celtics

Deciding whether the Celtics would provide the Raptors with a good or bad Playoff matchup is a slippery slope. Nobody knows which version of the Celtics will show up in the Postseason.

Perhaps we will see one of the NBA’s most talented teams finally put it together. Or we could see the dysfunction that has defined the Celtics’ season elevate into the Playoffs.

The regular season series between these Eastern Conference foes was split 2-2. Toronto won twice on home court and lost twice in Boston. In fact, Toronto has not won a game in Boston since 2016.

Home court advantage will be huge. However, the Raptors will also need to find a way to win in Boston.

A major area of concern for the Raptors is going to need to be taking care of Kyrie Irving. The All-Star point guard 20 or more points in three of the four meetings. Irving has that special ability to completely take over a game and if the Raptors cannot limit him it could mean trouble.

Gordon Hayward could also prove to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side. The 29-year old has not returned to All-Star form yet, however, he is starting to find some consistency. Hayward’s unique blend of power scoring and shooting ability is something to watch out for.

The Raptors have proved that they can beat the Celtics this season. A major key in them winning a seven-game series is staying cool, calm, and collected. As previously mentioned, Boston is one of, if not the worst team in the league when it comes to handling adversity. Toronto cannot afford to give an edge in the mental game.

If Toronto can protect the paint, find any way to contain Kyrie Irving, and expose Boston’s weak rebounding they will win.

Verdict: This will be a good matchup if the Raptors can take the Celtics out of the series mentally. However, things could go south if they allow Boston to build any serious momentum.