Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors 9/7/20 - NBA Picks & Predictions

On Monday, the Boston Celtics look to take a one game lead in their NBA Eastern Conference semifinals best of seven series when playing Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors. Boston lost its second straight and is tied in the series 2-2 after falling 100-93 on Saturday to the Raptors. Boston scored 27 points in the first quarter but managed just 66 over the final three quarters. Jayson Tatum was the leading scorer for Boston with 24 points.

Jayson Tatum is the leading scorer and rebounder for Boston during the postseason with averages of 25.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Kemba Walker is the second-leading scorer and leader in assists with averages of 21.3 points and 5.0 assists per game. Boston has five players averaging double-figures in scoring.

Toronto evened the series with solid defense against Boston. The leading scorer and rebounder for Toronto was Pascal Siakam with 23 points and 11 boards, while guard Kyle Lowry chipped in with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Toronto used a strong perimeter defense to shut down the majority of outside shooters for Boston and in particular Jaylen Brown, who was 0-for-9 in his first nine field goal attempts behind the three-point line and overall missed 14 of 18 shots.

Fred VanVleet is leading Toronto in scoring and assists with averages of 19.6 points and 7.2 assists per game. Serge Ibaka is the leading rebounder for Toronto with an average of 8.8 per game. Pascal Siakam is the second leading scorer with an average of 19.0 points per game and is one of six players for Toronto averaging double figures in scoring.