3 emerging storylines to watch ahead of Raptors-Celtics game
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors got their preseason schedule off to an incredibly dynamic start, dominating the rebuilding Utah Jazz 114-82 in front of a packed house in Edmonton. Nick Nurse and the rest of the squad won’t have such an easy time of things in their next contest against a division rival.
Even though the Celtics will be without the services of coach Ime Udoka for the season due to his suspension, Boston remains one of the best teams in the league and a legitimate contender for their second NBA Finals appearance on the bounce.
The Raptors will go into this game with most of their young players in a position to do some damage. Even with so many bench players to get a look at, the Raptors need to make sure that their starting lineup is ready to executive Nick Nurse’s vision from a mental point of view.
Raptors fans should keep an eye on these three trends and developing stories as the preseason grind switches to Massachusetts. The game’s results might not be too significant, but the way these three stories unfold will help Toronto get the most accurate picture of their roster.
3 storylines to watch for in Toronto Raptors’ preseason game vs. Celtics.
3. Extended minutes for Josh Jackson, DJ Wilson
With Justin Champagnie nursing an injury, Wilson and Jackson both received extra playing time in the victory over Utah. While many Raptors bench players contributed to Toronto’s 32-point victory, both Jackson and Wilson stood out thanks to their efficiency and defensive hustle.
Jackson piled up 10 points on 4-5 shooting while showing off much-improved perimeter defensive results. Wilson amassed seven points, six rebounds, and three assists per game in his first preseason action, showing that his brief flashes in 2021-22 were not flukes.
Will Josh Jackson and DJ Wilson impress the Toronto Raptors?
Champagnie is likely going to be the favorite for the final Raptors vacancy, as Dalano Banton reportedly has one of the last two spots firmly locked in place. The Raptors are reportedly taking votes on which players are currently the favorites for that role, and the winners are reportedly changing daily.
The Raptors will give Jackson and Wilson every opportunity to show that either of them will be a more robust, reliable choice than Champagnie. If he is still sideline, both former first-round picks will get the perfect platform for them to flex their superior athletic ability.