Wednesday 11/14: Bulls vs Celtics @7:30 pm
Coming off a 1-4 road-trip, the Celtics return home tomorrow against the Chicago Bulls. Currently 12th in the conference, the Bulls are allowing opponents an average of 112 ppg which bodes well for the C's who have not won a game this season when scoring under 100. The Bulls are one of the youngest teams in the league with an average age of 24. Leading them so-far has been 5th-year guard Zach Lavine who has been thriving under Fred Hoiberg's offense, averaging a career-high 27.1 ppg off 44% shooting from the field. This Bulls team has a lot of potential to do damage in the future, and with second-year forward Lauri Markkanen nearing his return, they could rise in the standings a bit. Their weakness, however, is at the point-guard position where Cameron Payne is currently starting in place of the injured Kris Dunn.
My Prediction: Celtics Win (107-96)
Back at home, this is an opportunity for the C's to get back on track playing against an inexperienced team. I'm expecting most of the guards, especially Kyrie Irving, to have big games as the offense should be focused on attacking the Bulls guards. A player to look at is Al Horford who struggled down-low during the road-trip. With Markkanen and Portis out, Horford shouldn't have trouble holding down the paint.
Friday 11/16: Raptors vs Celtics @7:00 pm
This is a big game for the Celtics. After losing to the Raptors back at the beginning of the season, the C's have a chance to get revenge at home. Toronto is currently playing like the best team in the league with a 12-2 record. Coming off a surprising loss to the Pelicans at home, the Raptors will play the Pistons tomorrow night before shipping out to Boston. The Raptors are currently ranked as the 3rd best offensive team in the league, averaging 117 ppg, and 10th in defense. New additions, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green have proven to be instrumental in the team's success, but Kyle Lowry has flown under the radar, averaging a career-best 11 assists.
My Prediction: Raptors Win (118-111)
I want to pick the C's in this one, but based on how the two teams have been playing of late, the Raptors are clearly the favorite. Coming off a presumable win against Chicago, the Celtics will hopefully be on the up-tick and have some extra motivation to take down the best team in the East. If the Celtics bring the energy on both ends and can get the crowd involved early, this could very well serve as a turn-around game for the Celtics, but right now, I got the Raptors taking this one.
Saturday 11/17: Jazz vs Celtics @7:30 pm
This game is going to be the second game of a back-to-back for both squads, so the floor is set for a rough game. The night before won't be easy for either team as the C's see the Raptors, and the Jazz see the 76ers with new addition Jimmy Butler. If you recall, not to long ago, the C's lost to the Jazz in Utah after being dominated in the paint. The Celtics have a chance to get a lot of payback this week with the Raptors and Jazz. Utah is going to be the easier game as we've seen them more recently and they haven't really found the stride they had at the end of last season. The big question mark will be Gordon Hayward's availability. He was sitting at the end of back-to-backs up until the C's first matchup with the Jazz, but I'm unsure if that was just due to it being his first return to Utah.
My Prediction: Celtics Win (105-98)
Based on their recent play, ending this home-stretch 2-1 is a realistic outcome. Winning both games on a back-to-back is always tough especially when playing two playoff teams, but anything's possible. After these 3 games at home, the C's go back on the road for a game in Charlotte and then are back in Boston against the Knicks. Be on the lookout for those predictions this weekend.