Final: Celtics 121, Raptors 99 - Start to finish domination

Game 81: Celtics (-1) vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. TD Garden, NBCS Boston

Injuries: 

Boston: OUT- Danilo Gallinari

QUESTIONABLE- Marcus Smart (hip), Derrick White (ankle), Malcolm Brogdon (back), Payton Pritchard (heel)

Toronto: OUT- Otto Porter (foot)

Raptors Probable Starters: Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby

Refs: David Guthrie (#16), Brandon Adair (#67), Jason Goldenberg (#35)

Last time they played: Celtics 97, Raptors 93, April 5 - The Celtics started really slow, going two-and-a-half minutes without a bucket to start the game. But they recovered behind Malcolm Brogdon and Jaylen Brown. Derrick White also had a hand in the Celtics taking a lead, and that carried into the second quarter, where the Celtics found some separation to take a 12-point halftime lead. Pascal Siakam helped the Raptors cut the lead to 2 in the third, but Brogdon helped hold them off heading into the fourth. Toronto tied the game in the fourth, but again it was Brogdon who bailed Boston out.

A little something about this game: The Raptors need a win to maintain any chance at grabbing the eighth seed. If they lose, they will fall to ninth. The Celtics today officially signed Justin Champagnie. It’s unclear if he’ll be available tonight or for the final home game on Sunday

One thing I’m looking for: 

- One last good run: With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Robert Williams all playing tonight, let’s see the Celtics get one last good, wire-to-wire run in before taking Sunday off and focusing on the playoffs. Let’s see one solid 48 minute game of solid execution to solidify all the good habits they’ll need to make another deep run, and to send a message to the bottom of the league that the seventh seed will bring pain. 

This is it for the regular season. Finish it strong with a solid effort knowing that the next meaningful game is about a week away. 

Want to pass the time until the game? Here’s the latest Locked On Celtics podcast with me and Keith Smith of Spotrac talking about how the new CBA will impact individual players on the Celtics. 

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.