The Toronto Raptors head to Boston on Jan 9, seeking their first road win after a 3‑4 start. Sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a victory over the league‑leading Celtics would boost morale, improve their record to 4‑4, and signal that Darko Rajaković’s rebuilding plan is gaining traction in the NBA.
What’s at Stake
Toronto entered the 2023‑24 season after a major roster overhaul that saw Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet depart. The new core, guided by coach Darko Rajaković, currently sits 12th in the East. A win in Boston would not only chip away at the Celtics’ dominance but also provide a critical confidence boost before a demanding stretch of games on the road.
Recent Performance Snapshot
The Raptors’ latest outing was an 118‑112 overtime victory over the Orlando Magic. Key contributors included:
- Scottie Barnes – 21 points
- Dennis Schröder – 18 points
- Pascal Siakam – 19 points
Despite the win, the team shot just 28 % from three‑point range and committed nine turnovers in the final quarter, highlighting consistency issues that must be addressed against Boston’s disciplined defense.
Coaching Tactics and Adjustments
Rajaković emphasizes a transition‑heavy offense that relies on guard speed. Against the Celtics, expect Toronto to:
- Apply a high‑press on the ball to disrupt Boston’s ball‑movement.
- Use “drop‑coverage” on Jayson Tatum, forcing mid‑range attempts rather than drives to the rim.
- Leverage OG Anunoby’s versatility on defense to guard multiple positions.
Balancing Anunoby’s defensive impact with better spacing for his teammates could be the key to limiting Boston’s scoring runs.
Player Health and Roster Notes
Injury updates remain a factor:
- Gary Trent Jr. – out with an ankle sprain.
- Chris Boucher – day‑to‑day after a minor knee strain.
Both players contribute to spacing and rebounding, so their availability will influence Toronto’s ability to compete on both ends of the floor.
Season Implications
A victory would raise Toronto to 4‑4, demonstrating that the rebuilding blueprint can succeed against elite competition. Conversely, a loss could deepen concerns about the team’s ability to close out games against disciplined defenses, an issue that has surfaced since the departure of veteran floor generals.
Where to Watch
Fans can stream the game live on NBA League Pass, with a secondary broadcast on TSN for Canadian viewers. Real‑time stats and highlights are also available through official NBA platforms.
Final Takeaway
The Jan 9 clash is more than a routine conference matchup; it serves as a litmus test for a Raptors squad still defining its identity. Executing Rajaković’s high‑tempo scheme while tightening defensive rotations could turn the Celtics into the first major road hurdle the team successfully overcomes this season.
