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Celtics Clinch No. 2 Seed Amid Raptors' Slump
5 Apr
Summary
- Boston holds a 2.5-game lead with five games remaining.
- Jayson Tatum averages 26.5 points since returning from injury.
- Toronto has fallen into play-in tournament contention.
The Boston Celtics are on the verge of securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. As of April 5, 2026, they maintain a 2.5-game advantage over the New York Knicks with just five regular-season games remaining.
Boston's performance has been strong since Jayson Tatum returned to the lineup from an Achilles injury, achieving an 11-2 record in games he has played. Tatum is currently in excellent form, averaging 26.5 points over his last four appearances and shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.
Conversely, the Toronto Raptors are experiencing a decline in the standings. They have slipped from the No. 5 seed and are now contending for a play-in tournament spot. Despite their efforts, they are considered underdogs in their upcoming matchup against Boston.
The Celtics have shown a net rating of +9.5 since the All-Star break, indicating their dominance, while the Raptors' net rating is +4.8. Boston is favored to win, especially at home, where they have a history of strong performances against Toronto this season.
