The Toronto Raptors, mired in a ten-game losing streak, face an improbable opportunity to reverse their fortunes as they host the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena for their final game of the calendar year. The Celtics are poised for another deep playoff run, sitting at 23-9, and currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings. Coincidentally, the Raptors are also 2nd in the Eastern Conference but from the bottom. They struggle to find consistency on both ends of the court, tied with the Charlotte Hornets at 7-25.
Coach Darko Rajakovic and his Raptors are faced with the improbable task of snapping their losing streak against the Celtics, who are currently in a slump, losers of five of their last nine games.