A high-stakes Atlantic Division showdown is set to electrify TD Garden on Friday, January 9, 2026, as the Boston Celtics host the Toronto Raptors. With both teams locked in a tight race for Eastern Conference supremacy, this clash carries significant weight for playoff positioning.
Playoff Implications and Team Momentum
The Boston Celtics enter the game with a record of 23 wins and 13 losses, holding the third spot in the Eastern Conference. The visiting Toronto Raptors are close behind with 23 wins and 15 losses, placing them fourth. The teams are separated by a mere two games in the loss column, amplifying the importance of this head-to-head battle.
Toronto arrives in Boston riding a wave of confidence, seeking their fourth consecutive victory. The Celtics, meanwhile, aim to protect their home court advantage at TD Garden while navigating a challenging injury situation.
Injury Report Shapes the Contest
The availability of key players will heavily influence the game's dynamics. The Raptors are dealing with significant absences. Centre Jakob Poeltl remains out with a back injury. Star forward Brandon Ingram is sidelined due to a finger and thumb issue sustained in the previous game. Furthermore, cornerstone player Scottie Barnes is unavailable because of a knee problem.
With these crucial pieces missing, Toronto will lean heavily on the scoring and playmaking duo of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to carry the offensive load.
Boston's roster is also depleted. Superstar Jayson Tatum continues his recovery from Achilles surgery and will not play. Josh Minott is out with an ankle injury, and Chris Boucher is sidelined due to illness. These absences are expected to result in increased minutes and responsibility for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, especially within Boston's perimeter-oriented offensive scheme.
A Clash of Contrasting Styles
This matchup pits two teams with fundamentally different philosophies against each other. The Celtics boast one of the league's most potent attacks, ranking second in offensive rating (122.2). They lead the entire NBA in three-pointers made per game at 15.9 and rank near the top in attempts.
Conversely, the Raptors have built their identity on a stout defence, ranking an impressive third in defensive rating (111.7). They excel in ball movement and rank fourth in rebounds per game (52.1). However, their struggle to score consistently is evident, as they rank 20th in offensive rating (113.8) and 24th in three-pointers made per game (11.8).
The historical context favours Boston heavily. The Celtics have won nine of the last ten meetings overall and both matchups this season, on December 7 and December 20. They also lead the all-time series 75-43.
Game Outlook and Viewing Details
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston, with Sportsnet and TSN carrying the coverage in Canada. Fans can also stream the action via NBA League Pass and other major live TV platforms. Radio broadcasts will be available in both markets.
Boston opens as a 8.5-point favourite, with the over/under total set at 223.5 points. The Celtics will look to leverage their shooting depth and home-court advantage to control the tempo. For the Raptors to pull off an upset, their path hinges on effectively limiting Boston's open three-point opportunities and receiving standout performances from Quickley and Barrett to compensate for their missing firepower.
