Get ready, Celtics fans, because preseason action is heating up, and there's plenty to look forward to! On Sunday evening, Oct. 13, the Boston Celtics will take the court at TD Garden once again, this time squaring off against the Toronto Raptors. This game comes hot on the heels of their home preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers the night before, making it a weekend filled with basketball at one of the NBA's most iconic arenas. The excitement builds as the Celtics fine-tune their roster in preparation for the 2024-25 NBA regular season, which kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with another home game, this time against the New York Knicks.
Expectations for the Preseason Showdown
Now, before you get too hyped up about seeing your favorite Celtics stars in action, here's something to keep in mind: don't expect Boston to roll out their heavy hitters for too many minutes in this preseason clash. It's not unusual for teams to take it easy on their key players during these exhibition games, especially when the regular season is just around the corner. The Celtics have very little to prove in these warm-ups, and their priority will be keeping everyone healthy and fresh for when the games actually count.
That said, there’s still plenty to get excited about! Boston’s depth, particularly their big men, will get significant minutes, and this is where the real intrigue comes in. With one of the Celtics' frontcourt stars sidelined by injury and another player uncertain as he ramps up for regular season form, expect to see Boston’s backup bigs getting valuable time on the court. This game will be a great opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of the team's future rotation and to evaluate the depth of the Celtics roster.
Player Injuries: Who's In, Who's Out?
Let’s talk about the injury report, a crucial factor heading into this matchup. The Celtics are dealing with the absence of their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis, who is still recovering from a rare foot injury he picked up during the 2024 NBA Finals. Boston is playing it safe with Porzingis, ensuring he’s at full strength when the regular season starts. His absence in this game will be noticeable, but it's also a chance to see how the team adapts without him.
For the Raptors, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. RJ Barrett, Bruce Brown, Immanuel Quickley, and Ja'Kobe Walker are all listed as game-time decisions, so Toronto’s lineup could change depending on how things shake out on game day. If these players sit out, it could significantly impact the Raptors' ability to compete at full strength, but preseason games are all about giving bench players a shot at proving themselves, so it should still be an exciting contest.
Probable Starting Lineups: Who’s Taking the Floor?
Now, let's dive into the expected lineups for each team. This preseason game might not feature a ton of superstar minutes, but that doesn't mean the matchups won’t be intriguing. Here’s a look at the probable starting five for both teams:
Boston Celtics:
- Derrick White – The Celtics’ reliable guard, known for his tenacity on both ends of the floor.
- Jrue Holiday – The newly acquired veteran guard brings championship experience and defensive prowess to the lineup.
- Jaylen Brown – A cornerstone of the Celtics franchise, Brown’s two-way play is crucial to Boston’s success.
- Jayson Tatum – Boston’s superstar forward, Tatum has been improving year after year and is poised for another MVP-caliber season.
- Luke Kornet – With Porzingis out, Kornet will likely start at center. He’s a solid rim protector who will get a chance to show what he can do with extended minutes.
Toronto Raptors:
- Davion Mitchell – Known for his tough defense, Mitchell will try to slow down Boston's offensive firepower.
- Ochai Agbaji – A promising young talent, Agbaji will be looking to make an impact early in the preseason.
- Gradey Dick – The sharpshooting rookie could be a big factor in spreading the floor for the Raptors.
- Scottie Barnes – The reigning Rookie of the Year, Barnes will be the Raptors' key playmaker, driving their offense.
- Jakob Poeltl – A reliable big man, Poeltl will need to anchor Toronto’s defense and control the paint.
Key Storylines to Watch
While the result of this game won’t count for anything in the standings, there are several intriguing storylines to follow that could offer a sneak peek into what we can expect from the Celtics in the regular season.
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Depth Test for Boston’s Bigs: With Porzingis out and some uncertainty around the health of the frontcourt, this game will serve as a stress test for Boston’s backup big men. Players like Luke Kornet and Oshae Brissett will need to step up, and this game offers a valuable opportunity for them to showcase their skills. Keep an eye on how they handle their defensive responsibilities and contribute on the offensive end.
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Jrue Holiday’s Fit: As one of the newest additions to the Celtics’ roster, all eyes will be on Jrue Holiday and how he meshes with the team. Holiday’s ability to guard multiple positions and his veteran leadership could be a game-changer for Boston this season. Watch how he fits into the Celtics' defensive schemes and how well he distributes the ball in the offense.
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Toronto’s Youth Movement: The Raptors have been focused on developing their younger players, and this game will give fans a closer look at rising talents like Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick. With Scottie Barnes at the helm, Toronto is building a formidable young core, and their performance in this game could offer a glimpse into the team’s future direction.
How to Watch the Game
You won’t want to miss this preseason matchup, especially with all the storylines and player evaluations at play. Here’s how you can catch the game:
- Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston
If you can’t make it to TD Garden in person, you can tune in to NBC Sports Boston to catch all the action. And if you’re looking for a live stream, be sure to check out the network's online options or your favorite streaming service to ensure you don’t miss a moment.
Final Thoughts
The preseason is all about finding rhythm, building chemistry, and making those last-minute adjustments before the games start to matter. While the stars might not play extended minutes, there’s still plenty of intrigue around this matchup. The Boston Celtics will use this game as a chance to evaluate their depth, particularly in the frontcourt, while the Raptors will look to their young stars to continue their development.
For Celtics fans, the anticipation is palpable. After a deep run to the NBA Finals last season, expectations are sky-high for this year’s team. As they fine-tune their roster and game plan in the preseason, every minute on the court is another step toward the ultimate goal: bringing another championship to Boston.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we get one step closer to the start of the 2024-25 NBA season!
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