Matt Tierney - Raptors.com
Time: (7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT - Sportsnet 1)
The Raptors (1-0) travel to Boston (1-0) to take on the Celtics tonight in an early battle of division rivals. Both teams won their Home Opener to start the season and will be looking to gain some early ground on each other in the Atlantic Division. Canadian and Celtic forward, Kelly Olynyk, is eligible to return tonight after serving his one+game suspension on Wednesday.
WHO’S HOT?
Jonas Valanciunas - The big Lithuanian made a statement in game 1 of the 2015-16 season. On a night where many of the Raptors players struggled at different periods of the game, Valanciunas was Mr. Consistent throughout. He finished the night with 21 points, 15 rebounds and some timely free throws late in the game to help seal the win. JV will look to take advantage of a smaller Celtics lineup lacking a traditional low-post big man.
Isaiah Thomas - What Thomas lacks in size, he certainly makes up for with his speed and athleticism. The diminutive point guard is one of the quickest players in the league and has found a home with this Celtics team. Despite coming off the bench, Thomas led Boston with 27 points and 7 assists in their win over the 76ers. Toronto’s second unit will have to do their best to prevent Thomas from driving the lane and creating opportunities for his teammates.
BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC
Preseason predictions identified both Toronto and Boston as the favourties to claim the Atlantic Division crown. Prior to the start of last season, the Celtics were thought to be in rebuild mode but found themselves competing with some of the league's better teams on a nightly basis. Led by their young head coach Brad Stevens, Boston made the playoffs last year and after acquiring some key free agents in the offseason, they're looking to take the next step in 2015-16.
Despite the Celtics resurgence, what shouldn’t be forgotten is the fact that Toronto is the defending Division Champions the past two seasons and have no plans on relinquishing that title anytime soon. Similar to Boston, the Raptors have themselves added some key free agents this offseason in the hopes that they will help the team progress further in the playoffs.
So how do the two teams matchup? Last year they split their season series two apiece including two heartbreaking losses for Toronto barely a week apart last April.
Oh yeah, DeMar DeRozan did this...
HELLO OLD FRIEND
Shall we address the elephant Raptor in the room? When Toronto faces Boston tonight, Amir Johnson will be playing, but no longer in a Raptors uniform. After spending six years North of the Border where he endeared himself to the Raptors faithful, Johnson will now be sporting Celtic green and going against his former teammates and coaching staff.
“It should be fun going against an old friend,” said DeMar DeRozan.
This is not the first time DeRozan has suited up against Johnson and was asked if he remembered the matchup.
“Yeah, in my rookie year when he was with Milwaukee and when I was younger, I always played against him.”
And did DeRozan think he has an advantage facing an ex-teammate?
“I think I know him better than he knows himself."
Despite the friendships made and the good times had, both sides understand this is just another game and neither will lose sight of what’s most important - winning.