Boston Celtics: 3 key matchups of round-two vs Toronto Raptors
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics key matchup vs Raptors: Jayson Tatum v Pascal Siakam
First up on the docket we have the two current cornerstones for their respective franchises in Jayson Tatum and Pascal Siakam.
Both lanky young talents with ever-improving offensive arsenals and stupendous defensive chops, these two wings will likely be seeing a lot of time going head-to-head in round two, which will give us, the viewers, an unbelievable amount of entertainment throughout this seven-game series.
2019-20 has been an unbelievable season for both players, as each were deemed All-Stars for the first time in their respective careers.
In his third year with the Boston Celtics, Tatum turned into everything the team needed him to be, and more. Through 66 games the 22-year-old posted sensational averages of 23.4 points, seven rebounds, three assists, 1.4 steals, and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from deep.
His level of play managed to turn up to another level so far in the playoffs, as he finds himself averaging 27 points, 9.8 rebounds, and a whopping 2.3 blocks per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from downtown.
As for Siakam, he, too, became the number one option for his team this season, posting 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and just under a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep.
In this series, it’ll be the number-three pick from the 2017 NBA Draft against three away from being the last pick in the 2016 NBA Draft that will likely capture the attention of spectators and analysts alike.
Keep your eyes peeled.