Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors face each other in Game-3 of the Conference Semifinal in the American Basketball League 2019-20.
Match Timing: September 04, 2020 (4 AM IST)
Team Preview
Things are getting wrong with the defending champions Toronto Raptors after dropping another game in the playoff series against the Boston Celtics. It’s a final opportunity for Raptors as the history is not favouring them if they lose on Thursday as well. In the league history, no team has ever come back after being down 3-0 in a series, and Toronto would keen to avoid this situation. After losing the first game 94-112, Toronto and Boston were tied on 28-28 after the first quarter in Game-02. Boston led by 2 points after the end of the half-game. Raptors made a solid comeback and took 3rd quarter with 30-20 to step closer to square the series but they let down in the final quarter with 21-31.
Jayson Tatum led Celtics with scoring 34 points plus eight boards. Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Kemba Walker also played vital roles in the win. For Raptors, Siakam scored only 17 points plus eight rebounds from 43 minutes. They shot just 40% from the floor, including just 11 out of 40 from the 3-points range. Boston shot 42.1 percent from the floor, including 15 out of 38 from beyond the arc. They also dominated the offensive rebounds with 41-44.
Toronto Raptors stand first in the league in offensive rebounds with pulling down an average of 47.5 boards per contest. They stand fourth in scoring defense as they allow an average of 106.2 points per contest. On the other hand, Boston Celtics stand first in scoring defense as they allow less than 100 points (99.2) per contest. They also stand first in the points difference with +11.3 points per night.
Possible Starting Lineup
Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker (PG), Marcus Smart (PG/SG), Jaylen Brown (SG/SF), Jayson Tatum (SF/PF), Daniel Theis (PF/C)
Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry (PG), Fred VanVleet (PG/SG), OG Anunoby (SF/PF), Pascal Siakam (PF), Marc Gasol (C)
Key Players
Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum (PF): 27.2 points, 9.3 rebounds
Kemba Walker (PG): 22 points, 4.3 rebounds
Jaylen Brown (SG): 19.8 points, 6 rebounds
Toronto Raptors
Fred VanVleet (SG): 19.2 points, 7 assists
Serge Ibaka (C): 18.2 points, 9.8 rebounds
Pascal Siakam (PF): 18.8 points, 7 rebounds
