The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors enter Sunday’s meeting with different trends shaping their early December outlook.
Boston arrives in Toronto with a 14-9 record and a four-game winning streak.
The group posted decisive victories against the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week, scoring 146 points on December 4 and following with a 126-105 result on December 5.
Toronto holds a 15-9 mark but enters on a two-game slide after losses to the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.
This will be the first meeting of the season between the two Atlantic Division rivals.
The Celtics will be without several rotation pieces, most notably Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined following a right Achilles repair.
Boston also lists Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams as out due to G League two-way assignments, leaving the club short on depth in multiple wing and forward spots.
Jaylen Brown continues to carry the scoring load in Tatum’s absence, averaging 29.0 points through 22 games while shooting .497 from the field.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard add perimeter production, combining for over 34 points per game and generating more than 10 assists per contest.
Neemias Queta’s interior efficiency has been a steady element, as the center is converting .662 from the floor while providing 8.0 rebounds per game.
The Raptors’ injury report features significant names as well.
RJ Barrett is out due to a right knee sprain, removing a 19.4-point scorer from Toronto’s lineup.
Jamison Battle is doubtful with a left ankle sprain after appearing in 17 games and posting efficient shooting numbers in limited minutes.
Immanuel Quickley is questionable due to illness after averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 assists across 24 appearances.
Toronto still enters with strong front-line production from Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, who combine for more than 40 points and nearly 14 rebounds each night.
Jakob Poeltl adds balance inside with .712 shooting and 8.2 rebounds per game, giving the Raptors a size advantage if Quickley cannot play.
Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena.
