Apr 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics power forward Jeff Green (8) dunks the ball before the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

In the final game of the regular season, the Boston Celtics ended their roller coaster of a year with a loss to the Toronto Raptors. This game was meaningless for both teams and players like DJ White, and even Fab Melo, played tonight. With it being the last game of the season, this was an opportunity to prepare for the playoffs and give players who are usually sitting at the end of the bench playing time.

Now that the season is over, all eyes are on to the postseason. It’s not worth nitpicking the Celtics and what they did wrong. This was basically an exhibition game as the starters didn’t play very long and were taken out of the game after Toronto pulled away with the lead. Boston came into the game with no energy, and there was no reason to since they had nothing to lose or gain. Just like every other season, the Celtics only showed up tonight because this game was on the schedule and treated it as a time to shoot some hoops and then prepare for the New York Knicks.

Looking forward to Saturday, as that is the likely day Game 1 will be played, Boston has less than three days to practice before facing the Knicks in their first meeting of the postseason. However, the Celtics have had plenty of time to work on a game plan and be fully ready for the Atlantic Division champions. Health is the main factor that will decide the series, and all the focus will be on Kevin Garnett who has been dealing with inflammation in his right foot. Without him, Boston will have no chance against the red hot Knicks who are playing great at the right time of the season.

This is what Celtics fans have been waiting for. The playoffs is when most fans believe that Boston will play to their capabilities and at a higher level than they’ve displayed all season long. We’ll have to see if all that hoping comes true as Game 1 is right around the corner.

Mar 13, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) works to defend against Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (3) during the second half at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Before the NBA playoffs can officially begin for the Boston Celtics, they must get up for one more game. Tonight, Boston takes the floor for the first time since the bombings that took place on Monday, and even though they’re not playing at the TD Garden, it will still be an emotional game for the players. While usually the last the game of the season doesn’t mean a lot and is a time for the players on the bench to get a majority of the minutes, tonight can be a good opportunity for the team to get into a good rhythm.

Here are the keys for Celtics as they prepare for the playoffs.

• Tonight should be treated as a practice or exhibition game as neither the Toronto Raptors or the Boston Celtics gain anything with a victory. Doc Rivers can use this time to get players who are on the fringe of his playoff rotation a chance to execute plays in a game instead of in the practice facility. Players like Shavlik Randolph, Jordan Crawford, and even Terrence Williams should expect some minutes in the postseason, and getting them prepared and knowing the game plan would be something that Boston needs to accomplish. It is unknown who is playing or sitting tonight, so whoever is on the floor must learn how to play with each other, otherwise this game could be chalked up as a loss.
• There really is no importance to the game, but there is always need for improvement. Rebounding and ball control should be main focal points tonight. The Celtics have had difficulty rebounding on both ends of the floor which can be attributed to their lack of size. But effectively boxing out and putting forth effort to secure missed shots is one way of diminishing the disparity in rebounding. Boston also needs to limit turnovers, and with the playoffs literally around the corner, they can’t afford to make careless mistakes that may cost them a series in the postseason.

For Celtics fans the playoffs is all that matters, and the anticipation is building for a strong showing against the New York Knicks. Due to the circumstances surrounding Boston at this time, Game 3 of the first round, when the Celtics first return to the Garden since the recent tragedy, will be a very emotional time. While there are individuals who are trying to disrupt the everyday lives of people, Boston has come closer together than ever before. For any sporting event taking place throughout the city, the showing of support from both the fans and teams could potentially propel these teams further than expected. Boston has the greatest fans in the world, and when the playoffs roll around, they’ll show that they’re also the toughest.

There is no better remedy for losing than winning, and there is no better way to respond from a blowout loss than picking up a blowout win. One night after losing to the Charlotte Bobcats by 24, the Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors by that same margin.

Boston has now won 10 consecutive games at home, and stands at 35-29 this season. With a Chicago loss in Sacramento tonight, the Celtics will move into a tie for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Seven Boston Celtics scored in double figures, led by Jeff Green who scored a game-high 20 points. The Celtics trailed by one after the first quarter, but a strong second quarter gave Boston a nine-point halftime lead. Boston then continued to expand their lead, essentially putting the game away before the fourth quarter even began.

Doc Rivers had seen his team struggle on the offensive end the past two outings, averaging just 76.5 points per game. Boston was able to get into a rhythm tonight though, shooting 51.3 percent from the floor. Largely responsible for the Celtics’ offensive resurgence was the return of the Captain.

After missing last night’s game for rest, Paul Pierce did not miss a beat. He scored 15 points on just six shots. Pierce’s legs looked fresh as he consistently attacked the basket, earning himself 11 free-throw attempts, converting on nine.

Pierce’s 15 points now moves him into 20th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Kevin Garnett, 12 points, also reached a historic milestone, passing Jerry West for 15th all-time in scoring.

The Celtics were strengthen by their bench, who scored 58 points compared to the Raptors’ 29. Jordan Crawford had 12 points tonight, and has now scored in double-digits for two straight games. That is the first time he’s done so since joining Boston at the trade deadline.

Rudy Gay returned from a neck injury to lead the Raptors in scoring with 19 points. Gay’s 19 was not enough to overcome Toronto’s putrid 3-point shooting, hitting just three of their 13 shots from behind the arc.

Next up, the Celtics will have two days off before having a chance to exact revenge on the Bobcats, who visit the Garden Saturday night.