The Toronto Raptors are in danger, and the Boston Celtics’ confidence is growing by the minute. Game 3 is a make or break game for the defending champs.

Catch Game 3 tomorrow at 6:30 AM (Manila time).

HOME TEAM: #3 Boston Celtics (2-0)

The Celtics continued its dominance of the Raptors this past Wednesday. Combining the playoffs and regular season, they have now won five of the six meetings this season.

Game 2’s 102-99 win featured another all-around, high-scoring performance by All-Star Jayson Tatum. He tallied 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and is now putting up 27.5 PPG in the series.

The key man in the game, though, is Marcus Smart. The seven-year veteran scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, where he went 5-for-6 from downtown. He’ll always be a defensive-minded guard, but watch out for more offense now that he has bumped his confidence.

Kemba Walker (17.5 PPG, 41.4 FG%) and Jaylen Brown (16.5 PPG, 35.5 FG%) are both scoring and shooting below their regular season averages in the two games. It’s a cause for some concern, but the team defense is looking good as it has held the Raptors to under 100 points in two-straight games, so it’s manageable for now.

The Celtics are averaging 107 PPG in the series.

ROAD TEAM: #2 Toronto Raptors (0-2)

It’s not looking good for the Raptors. As great as they have been all season, they have continued to fail when up against the Celtics. The versatile offense is falling flat in the two games as well, as it has only put up 96.5 PPG on a dreadful 38.5% shooting.

For context, Toronto averaged 112.8 PPG in the regular season and 126.3 PPG in the first round of the playoffs.

What the Raptors may be missing is that one imposing and dangerous scorer, a classic go-to guy. Five Raptors are averaging 15 or more points in the series – Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet – but no one appears to be capable of matching Tatum or Walker shot for shot. Siakam and Lowry are good shot-creators, but they’re getting shutdown right now as both are shooting below 36%.

PREDICTIONS:

The Celtics are very relaxed and poised. They’re playing like they can solve what the Raps are doing in no time. They should be able to put a stranglehold on the series tomorrow.

Boston wins, 111-106.