Avery Bradley Ruled Out for Matchup vs. Raptors

Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley has been rule out against the Toronto Raptors.

It’s a huge matchup for the C’s, as they look to creep closer to the second seed.  The Raptors lost their last game against Houston. While Boston beat the Sixers at the Garden.  The Boston Celtics are officially one game behind Toronto, and this contest will be important for both teams.

But the C’s will be without starting shooting guard Avery Bradley, who has been ruled out because of his achilles.  Marcus Smart is probably getting the start for the second straight game.

Smart had 22 points, six assists and five steals against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.  That stat line was awesome.  He really put it together and proved that he’s reliable.

The bench needs to step up.

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If there was ever a game for the second unit to catch fire, it would be this one.  Terry Rozier has proven himself, and Jaylen Brown keeps getting better.  Jonas Jerebko has to hit shots though.  How many times can we say Jonas has been open and missed a three?  Too many.  I’d like to see him get in the lane too, draw a few fouls and take some stress off of that first unit.  I cannot state enough how much of an impact Gerald Green makes when he’s on his game.  That second unit looks a lot better when Green hits his shots and makes plays.

I love the season Marcus Smart is putting together, because he’s really coming along as a reliable sixth man.  In a situation like this you need a guy like him to step in.  It’s been refreshing to see him attacking the basket more, and that certainly helps the offense.

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Will the Celtics win this game?

I can’t say for sure, honestly this could go either way. Al Horford is something else Toronto has to worry about, and I definitely love the season IT is having (who doesn’t?)  But wow, when Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan get going?  That’s tough guys.  But who’s the X factor here?  It might just be Jae Crowder.  Think about it, everyone is so worried about IT, Smart and Horford.  Jae can totally make some really good things happen.