In Game 1 of the second-round series between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors, Boston was able to stifle Toronto’s transition game while putting pressure on the Raptors’ older, slower frontcourt offensively to great success.
But will that plan work a second time when facing as canny a coach as Coach of the Year Nick Nurse?
This proposition seems unlikely, even if the obvious counters do not seem to be forthcoming. But Boston ought to grant Toronto that respect, as they have found ways to adapt and win to the tune of the East’s second seed in a season many pegged them due for a rebuild.
How to watch or stream Boston Celtics-Toronto Raptors Game 2, Round 2 https://t.co/duVseDMgtU
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 1, 2020
But if that adjustment doesn’t bear fruit, it could be another short series with the Celtics owning the 2019-20 record between the two teams four wins to one, counting Sunday’s Game 1 win.
Gordon Hayward and Javonte Green continue to be unavailable for Boston with an ankle sprain and knee surgery respectively, and guard Tremont Waters remains questionable with a sprained knee.
The Raptors will remain relatively healthy, with no new injuries to report and point guard Kyle Lowry appearing to be fine in his Game 1 appearance.
Theis grabs career-high playoff boards vs. Raps; ‘we can play better’ https://t.co/cEBgsxTVPr
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 31, 2020
Based on what we saw in that first tilt of the series, the Celtics probably carry a slight advantage, with our prediction being a fairly high-scoring affair of 119-111 Boston.
Most online sportsbooks still favor Toronto, but just barely with a -1.5 spread.
The action kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN and NBC Sports Boston, and we’ll find out what tricks Nurse still has up his sleeve — as well as what Stevens might have to counter them.
