Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors: Key Celtics Starters to Miss Matchup North of the Border

Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors injury report preview.
Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors injury report preview. / Mark Blinch/GettyImages
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The Boston Celtics ride into the second half of back a back without starting center Robert Williams while Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred Van Vleet will likely suit up after leaving the Raptors' last game prematurely.

Raptors SIC Health Score - 84.4

Just like the electrical issue in the Scotiabank Arena roof that caused a momentary evacuation, the Raptors are on fire posting an 8-2 record in their last ten games. The run of success has Toronto a full game above the Cleveland Cavaliers who have fallen into play-in tournament seeding due to the injury bug chomping key parts of their squad.

A key part of the Raptors roster who will likely return is Van Vleet (FD $7,600) after he did not come back out to the floor following the evacuation due to a knee issue. The sharpshooter has dealt with this issue previously including a four-game absence to start the month of March.

Another sharpshooter with less certainty to play is guard Gary Trent Jr. The Raptors' second-leading three-point shooter has missed the last three games due to a hyperextended toe and if absent for a fourth, OG Anunoby (FD $5,400) will likely draw the start. Anunoby is playing in just his third game since returning from a finger fracture and may play more more minutes as he is eased back into action.

San Diego State alum Malachi Flynn will miss his 12 straight game as he deals with a hamstring injury meaning the Raptors will be thing at guard heading into the matchup.

Celtics SIC Health Score - 42.7

The Green Team has risen from under .500 early season to now atop of the Eastern Conference tied with the Miami Heat (47-28). Two big reasons for this is the play of super talented Jayson Tatum (FD $9,400) and elite team defense.

Both will be lacking heading into the Monday matchup.

Tatum alluded to likely missing the game due to rest after a grueling 134-112 home win against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. A negative coming from the win was the loss of Williams who has already been ruled out for this matchup.

The defensive wizard left in the third quarter with a left knee injury and it has been determined to be a meniscus tear meaning the center will miss the rest of the regular season. Veteran Daniel Theis (FD $3,800) will draw the start and could be a valuable source of boards/blocks in a Monday spot start.

Aging power forward Al Horford will miss his second game in a row due to personal reasons meaning the Celtics starting front court will be absent. Along with the front court, head coach Ime Udoka said wing Jaylen Brown could rest along with Tatum which would be a mulligan for Toronto with the Celtics down 4/5 starters.

With Marcus Smart (FD $6,000) the last starter standing, the Dinos hold a massive health advantage.

Best FanDuel Plays:


Raptors -8 - Toronto will likely get Van Vleet back and face a depleted Celtics squad, if Boston treats game as rest day expect Raptors to take full advantage.

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