Celtics at Raptors
THE STORY: To say the Boston Celtics have dominated the Toronto Raptors would be putting it nicely. Boston has won five straight over Toronto and nine of their last 10 meetings, most recently drubbing the Raptors 100-64 at the TD Garden on Feb. 1. Toronto has gone 1-3 since that game and continues to trudge along without star forward Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors could also be without the one player making up for Bargnani’s absence, Jerryd Bayless. He missed practice after injuring his ankle Wednesday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN
ABOUT THE CELTICS (14-11): The Celtics watched their five-game winning streak go up in ashes in an 88-87 overtime loss to the rival Lakers on Thursday. However, it wasn’t due to a poor effort from point guard Rajon Rondo. In his fourth game back from a wrist injury, Rondo scored 14 points and dished out seven assists – giving him 42 total helpers since returning to the floor. Rondo missed the last meeting with Toronto but led Boston with 21 points in a 96-73 home win over the Raptors on Jan. 18.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (8-19): Bayless left Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee after re-injuring a tender ankle that kept the speedy guard out of 13 games. Bayless’ recent efforts have kept Toronto hovering above the Eastern Conference basement. He’s averaged nearly 15 points over his last eight games. That improvement bumped Bayless into the starting lineup for the past six outings. He’s questionable for Friday’s date with Boston.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Toronto was hoping to have Bargnani back sooner than later, but the sharp-shooting Italian isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break due a strained calf.
2. Boston leads the all-time series with Toronto 42-21.
3. The Raptors practiced on the Air Canada Centre floor for the first time this season Friday. The team usually uses the practice facility upstairs.