Projected Starters:
Celtics: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace, Kendrick Perkins
Raptors: Jarrett Jack, DeMar DeRozan, Hedo Turkoglu, Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani
Health Check: For the Celtics, Kevin Garnett (knee) and guard Marquis Daniels (thumb) are out, while guard Tony Allen (illness) is questionable.
For the Raptors, forward Reggie Evans (foot) is out.
Keep It In Mind: In two games against the Raptors this season, Rasheed Wallace is averaging 15.5 points and is shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three-point nation.
Who's Hot: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce scored nine of his 21 points against the Hawks in the fourth quarter.
For the Raptors, Chris Bosh posted 29 points against the 76ers on Friday.
Who's Not: For the Celtics, Rasheed Wallace shot just 5-15 (1-8 from the nation) against the Hawks on Friday.
For the Raptors, Hedo Turkoglu is coming off a 3-7, 9-point performance against Philadelphia.
Key Matchup: Rasheed Wallace vs. Andrea Bargnani
Honorable Mention: Kendrick Perkins vs. Chris Bosh
Skinny: The Celtics (along with every other team in the league) always need to worry about Chris Bosh, who enters today's game with averages of 22.5 points and 11.0 rebounds against the C's this season. if the Celtics can slow down Bosh and (as previously mentioned) put together a routine defensive effort, they should be able to score enough points to go up 3-0 in the season series.
The Raptors haven't been running at the frenetic pace one might expect from a team so focused on offense, as they're averaging only 14.6 fast break points per game over the course of their three-game winning streak. Regardless, they're always capable of pushing the ball in transition, and they're taking over 14 three-pointers per game over that same stretch.
Boston should win the battle of the boards today, as the Raptors season rebounding average (40.16) is less than a full rebound ahead of Boston's season average (39.17). Controlling the glass (both offensive and defensive) will give the Celts a better shot at a win heading into tomorrow night's rematch against the Hawks. The earlier the Celtics can put Toronto out of commission, the better.