2 min read • March 28, 2022
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The Boston Celtics ride into the second half of back a back without starting center Robert Williams while Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred Van Vleet will likely suit up after leaving the Raptors last game prematurely.
Raptors SIC Health Score - 84.4
Just like the electrical issue in the Scotiabank Arena roof that caused a momentary evacuation, the Raptors are on fire posting an 8-2 record in their last ten games. The run of success has Toronto a full game above the Cleveland Cavaliers who have fallen into the play-in tournament seeding due to the injury bug chomping key parts of their roster.
A key part of the Raptors roster who will likely return is Van Vleet (FD $7,600) who did not come back out on to the floor after the evacuation due to a knee issue that was unable to be warmed up due to the length of the delay. The sharpshooter has dealt with this issue previously including a 4-game absence to start the month of March.
Another sharpshooter with less certainty to play is G Gary Trent Jr. The Raptors second leading three point shooter has missed the last three games due to a hyperextended toe and if absent for a fourth, OG Anunoby (FD $5,400) will likely draw the start. Anunoby is playing in just his third game since returning from a finger fracture and may play more more minutes as he is eased back into game action.
San Diego State alum G Malachi Flynn will miss his 12 straight game as he deals with a hamstring injury meaning the Raptors will be thing at guard heading into the matchup.
Celtics SIC Health Score - 42.7
The Green Team has risen from under .500 early season to now atop of the Eastern Conference tied with the Miami Heat (47-28). Two big reasons for this is the play of super talented Jaysom Tatum (FD $9,400) and elite team defense.
Both will be lacking heading into the Monday matchup.
Tatum alluded to likely missing the game due to rest after a grueling 134-112 home win against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. A negative coming from the win was the loss of Williams who has already been ruled out for this matchup.
The defensive wizard left in the third quarter with a left knee injury and it has been determined to be a meniscus tear meaning the C will miss the rest of the regular season. Veteran Daniel Theis (FD $3,800) will draw the start and could be a valuable source of boards/blocks in a Monday spot start.
Aging PF Al Horford will miss his second game in a row due to personal reasons meaning the Celtics starting front court will be absent. Along with the front court, HC Ime Udoka said G Jaylen Brown could rest along with Tatum which would be a mulligan for Toronto with Celtics down 4/5 starters.
With Marcus Smart (FD $6,000) the last starter standing, the Dinos hold a massive health advantage:
Raptors -4.5 - Toronto will likely get Van Vleet back and face a depleted Celtics squad, if Boston treats game as rest day expect Raptors to take full advantage (Posted at 10:16)
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