3 key matchups that will determine winners in Raptors-Celtics games

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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 16: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

2. OG Anunoby vs. Boston’s army of shooters

Anunoby is regarded by anyone with an IQ above that of a gerbil as one of the best defenders in the league, especially when it comes to playing on the perimeter. No team will present a bigger test for Anunoby this season than Boston if they get off to a hot start from deep.

Even with Tatum and Brown being average from 3-point range this year, Boston has five rotation players who shoot over 43% from deep. Malcolm Brogdon and Sam Hauser help Boston pull away against bad lineups, though Anunoby’s game-wrecking skill might be enough to make Boston slightly more uncomfortable in these matchups.

Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby must slow down Boston’s shooters.

Nurse has an interesting question on his hands. While Anunoby will get his fair share of reps against Tatum and Brown due to his on-ball excellence, the Celtics have shown they can win games without those two by letting their collection of role players bomb away.

While most teams don’t have a chess piece as unique as Anunoby to throw at Boston, Toronto can lean on someone who could be viewed as the best defender in the league on the back of pure versatility by the end of the year. If used properly, the Celtics’ 3-point advantage could be blunted.