NBA Matchups: January 9

TOR @ BOS | PHI @ ORL | NOP @ WAS | LAC @ BKN | OKC @ MEM | ATL @ DEN | NYK @ PHX | SAC @ GSW | HOU @ POR | MIL @ LAL

Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics (front end)

Team Totals: Raptors 108, Celtics 116.5

Injury Report: Scottie Barnes (Q, knee), Brandon Ingram (Q, thumb)

Raptors projected starters: Immanuel Quickley, R.J. Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles

Celtics projected starters: Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta (Note: Don’t think the Celtics go Hauser if BI is in)

Darko quotes: Said he was proud of the defensive effort against the Hornets, said IQ carries his responsibilities “with great grace” and he was happy he hit that game-winner, said BI has a sprained right thumb and he’s just day-to-day, said Barnes just went to check out his knee and he’s OK.

Mazzulla quotes: Said the Nuggets were able to take advantage of their coverages, said they will try to figure out some of their reads better on both ends.

Stats and Notes:

*A bit of a Spiderman meme here with both of these defenses being really aggressive with their coverages to limit lead scorers. The Celtics are still just leaving shooters like crazy and are really taking away the paint, which isn’t ideal for the Toronto offense (top 10 in rim scoring, 24th in 3-point frequency). Boston is also a top-five transition defense, and they’ve really trended up there. For the Raptors, they moved up to second in transition defense this season, and they’re not even giving up a lot of C&S stuff these days, either. They’re a little more vulnerable in the paint with their help coming from closer to the basket, especially with Collin Murray-Boyles being more versatile. The Celtics will need their off-ball game and interior presence to have success. 

*Scottie Barnes is in a bit of a tougher spot against the Celtics. They really pack the paint, and they’re going to double him a bit more, especially if Brandon Ingram misses. Barnes will have a massive role, and his passing has been a huge trend lately with 10+ dimes in three of his last six games. The Celtics also don’t have great options with wing defense unless Jaylen Brown wants to take this assignment. I still don’t love it either way. 

*R.J. Barrett picked up a bigger role without BI, as he picked up 44 frontcourt touches and 17 drives to lead the team. Barrett had 13 shots off drives and is clearly healthy now based on his 35 minutes on Wednesday. Like Scottie, R.J. is better against paint funnels and better in transition. I’d still be more open to him here without BI.