Ranking Potential Playoff Opponents For The Toronto Raptors
By Justin Rowan
4. Boston Celtics
The Raptors have a 3-1 record against their Atlantic division foe with the lone loss coming in a game where Kyle Lowry rested. But they still have the potential to be a dangerous team come playoffs.
What makes them a desirable matchup:
Desirable may not be the right word with this team, as they are very well coached and capable of playing lockdown defense, but the lack of star power does give the Celtics some appeal as an opponent over the remaining options.
The Raptors have had a lot of success against Boston this season, and the Celtics’ catalyst in Isaiah Thomas is a very favorable matchup for Lowry as someone that he can disrupt defensively. While Boston has quality wing defenders, containing Lowry and DeMar DeRozan while mustering up enough offense to keep up with Toronto would likely be too tall of a task for the surprising Celtics squad.
What makes them dangerous:
Brad Stephens is establishing himself as one of the league’s best coaches and has an elite defense at his disposal. Last season’s Wizards squad showed how dangerous a strong defense can be and if they can frustrate the Raptors offensively to the point that other parts of their game suffer, they would have a shot at a first round upset.
Next: Charlotte Hornets