Three reasons the Boston Celtics are the scariest matchup for the Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors: The Fred VanVleet versus Kemba Walker battle

A big reason the Toronto Raptors has been so good this season is thanks to Fred VanVleet. But against the Celtics, he has struggled mightily all year long and it’s because of an unexpected name, Kemba Walker. Walker is far from an elite defender, but he does give 100 percent on that end ever since he has joined the Celtics, and 120% whenever he’s defending VanVleet.

Walker has guarded VanVleet more than anyone else he has guarded in the league this season, and it is the same for VanVleet. It always seems to be a personal affair whenever they play against each other, not even letting each other room to breath.

Walker has held VanVleet to 5/24 shooting from the field, and 2/9 shooting from the three. Meanwhile, VanVleet has held Walker to 8/25 shooting from the field and 5/16 from the field.

VanVleet is also not the best scorer around the rim and Walker has done an exceptional job of not letting VanVleet getting around him so easily. From 5 feet and within, VanVleet shoots 48.5 percent for the season, but against the Celtics that becomes a staggering 37.9 percent.

It’ll be interesting to see how this battle plays out in the playoffs, and who will be the one to pick up the scoring on the Raptors side if VanVleet does indeed go cold again.