The Toronto Raptors (26-15) will play host to the Boston Celtics (22-20) Wednesday Night. This matchup will consist of two Atlantic Division rivals who currently sit at the one and two spots in their division.
The Raptors will enter this game having won five straight games; four of which came on the road including a stop in London, England for a meeting with the Orlando Magic. This will be the second game of a seven-game homestand for the team.
The Celtics, on the other hand, come into this one having won three of their last four; with the lone loss coming in a hard-fought overtime effort in Dallas in their last game. This game will wrap up a brief three-game homestand for Boston as they return home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
The big story in the Air Canada Centre tomorrow night will, undoubtedly, be Amir Johnson's return to Toronto. Johnson was acquired by the Raptors in the summer of 2009 and played six seasons with the team. This offseason, the Raptors felt it was time to move on from the fan-favorite and the Celtics were quick to act signing him to a two-year, $24 million deal. Johnson is having a decent season in Boston averaging 8.3 points and 6.2 rebounds on 59.3 percent shooting; slightly lower stats than he put up in Toronto as a result of less minutes.
The point guard matchup will be worth watching in this one, featuring Kyle Lowry of the Raptors and Isaiah Thomas of the Celtics.
Lowry has had a career year so far with the Raptor posting averages of 21.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Lowry currently awaits an announcement that will come Thursday night regarding whether or not he was voted into the All-Star starting lineup by the fans.
Thomas has also had his best season ever in the league. Thomas has quietly put up some very nice numbers this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. Boston has provided Thomas with his first legitimate starting opportunity in the NBA and he has made the most of it.
These two phenomenal players have been arguably the best point guards in the Eastern Conference this season; it should make for a very solid matchup to watch.
The last time these teams met was on October 30th in Boston. This early-season game saw the Raptors come away with a 113-103 victory, led by DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross who had 23 and 21 points, respectively. Lowry made his mark passing the ball as he added nine assists, while Thomas poured in 25 to go with seven assists in the losing effort for Boston.
39 games later, however, this game will see two completely different ball clubs step on the court. Thomas, who could definitely make a case for making the All-Star Game this season in Toronto, didn't even start this game as he entered the season as a bench player for Boston.
Will the Raptors extend their winning streak or will the Celtics finish their road trip strong? The action gets underway at 7:30 P.M. EST from Toronto.