The Boston Celtics are super-talented pains in the butt, even without four starters.
“You say they’re missing four starters,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said after Toronto’s 115-112 win in overtime. “(Al) Horford (has been) an All-Star, (Jaylen) Brown’s an All-Star, (Jayson) Tatum’s an All-Star. Who is the (fourth)? Robert Williams is ranked the best defensive center in the league right now. OK. However, they replaced ’em with a couple guys that have started several hundred games in this league in (Daniel) Theis and (Derrick) White. … That’s why they’re so good. They’ve got some guys that have played in this league and they’ve got some serious depth.
“We’ve seen them play before and you guys saw ’em play tonight. They’re good, good players.”
The Raptors (43-32) barely escaped. The Celtics’ swagger was noticeable even without so many of their best players. Boston is also one of four teams that the Raptors have pretty much an equal chance of playing if Toronto should squeak into the playoffs.
A game separates the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference, and none of them would be an easy matchup for the Raptors, who would be clear underdogs in any of the series. However, some of them would be more advantageous than others.
Here is an early look at which of the Raptors’ potential opponents would be most desirable. (All stats before Monday night)
1. Miami (48-28)
Statistical profile: 112.1 offensive rating (13), 108.1 defensive rating (5), 51.0% rebounding (9), 15% turnover (27), 96.
