Celtics Announce Two Players Out for Raptors Game Due to Injury

The Boston Celtics are preparing to face the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on Friday night. They are looking to recover from a recent loss to the Denver Nuggets. However, the Celtics will be missing key players due to injuries. Josh Minott will not play due to an ankle sprain, marking his second consecutive absence. Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the remainder of the season as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Celtics vs. Raptors: Injury Report

For the Raptors, there are also concerns regarding player availability:

• Scottie Barnes is dealing with a right knee sprain and is questionable.
• Brandon Ingram has a right thumb sprain and is also questionable.
• Jakob Poeltl will not play due to a lower back sprain.

Eastern Conference Standings

This matchup holds significant importance for playoff positioning. The Celtics currently have a record of 23-13, leading the Raptors, who stand at 23-15, by just one game. The teams have faced each other twice this season, with the Celtics winning both encounters, the latest being a 112-96 victory without Jaylen Brown. This time, both teams will see different player lineups due to injuries.

Recent Performance

The Celtics have had a solid performance, winning 13 of their last 17 games. They are looking to avoid their first two-game losing streak since December 15th. Conversely, the Raptors have been on a roll, winning 5 of their last 6 games and riding a three-game winning streak. Their recent victory came from a game-winning shot by Immanuel Quickley, leading them to a 97-96 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Impact of RJ Barrett

A notable factor in the Raptors’ recent success is the return of RJ Barrett. The Raptors have an impressive 16-6 record with Barrett in the lineup, compared to 7-9 without him. Barrett’s presence significantly affects their performance, as he missed the previous two meetings against the Celtics.

The Celtics and Raptors are set to tip off at 7 PM on Friday night at TD Garden. The outcome of this game could have crucial implications for both teams as they vie for better playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference.