Raptors Seek Redemption Against Red-Hot Celtics
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The Toronto Raptors are reeling from a grueling stretch of games, having dropped four of five, including a 111-86 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Their five-game losing streak began on November 29, when they lost 118-111 in overtime to the Hornets, ending their nine-game winning streak. The Raptors face a tough challenge as they host the Boston Celtics on Sunday, who have won four straight and nine of their last 11 games. The Celtics, who played their fifth game in seven days on Friday, defeated the Lakers 126-105 and are looking to extend their winning streak. 'Our guys have to recharge quickly,' Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. 'We're going to bounce back and find our energy levels and compete.' The Celtics, meanwhile, are confident in their ability to pull out wins, with Payton Pritchard saying, 'We've just got to keep growing and getting better.' The Celtics have made impressive adjustments without Jayson Tatum, who is still absent. Jordan Walsh has been a key contributor, shooting 18-for-19 over the past three games and posting a team-high box plus/minus of 28. The Raptors struggled to get help from their supporting cast on Friday, with Immanuel Quickley scoring a season-best 31 points but the team's other players failing to score in double digits. Brandon Ingram was held to seven points on 3-for-13 shooting, and Jakob Poeltl returned from a back injury but only managed five points and seven rebounds. The Raptors will need to regroup and find their energy if they are to stop the Celtics' winning streak. With their home game against the Lakers snapping an eight-game winning streak, the Raptors are eager to bounce back and prove themselves against a tough opponent.
