The Celtics look to win their third staight game and avenge their loss earlier this week as they take on the red hot Toronto Raptors, this time in Boston.
The Raptors are currently on a four-game winning streak, including Monday's 103-102 win over the Celtics north of the border. A game in which forward Andrea Barganani exploded for 26 points and the Celtics were without point guard Rajon Rondo.
The Celtics may be without their point guard, as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury that has bothered him all week. This time, however the Celtics will be a little low on guard depth as not only Rondo, but Delonte West will miss tonights game after he broke his wrist on Wednesday in Boston's 89-83 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
With both out, Nate Robinson will likely get the start at point guard, with Marquis Daniels relieving Robinson, and picking up significant minutes.
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett have been quite inconsistent in their last few games as neither has been able to find their touch. However, 38-year old Shaquille O'Neal filled in quite well on Wednesday as he scored a season-high 25 points and added 11 rebounds to help Boston rout of New Jersey.
With West out for the Celtics and Rondo a game-time decision, rookie point guard and first-round pick Avery Bradley could get a lot more playing time, and could show coach Doc Rivers his potential.
Celtics GM Danny Ainge believes this could be Bradley's time to shine with the Celtics short-handed:
"We love Avery,’’ Ainge said. "We think Avery is a talent. The only way he’ll grow as a player is with the opportunity to play. And there’s always growing pains for coaches playing young players, but at some point he needs the chance.’’
The Celtics and Raptors tip-off tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST.