BOSTON (AP) — Malcolm Brogdon had 29 points, including two free throws late in the game, as the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 97-93 on Wednesday night.
With his win and Milwaukee’s victory over Chicago, Boston (55-25) clinched the second playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylen Brown added 25 points and 11 rebounds. Derrick White finished with 17 in the opener of a two-game series.
The sets will collide again this Friday in Boston.
One night after losing by two points in Philadelphia, the Celtics were without three starters: star Jayson Tatum with a bruised left hip; Marcus Smart, with neck spasms, and Dominican Al Horford, with a stiff back.
The Raptors (40-40) trailed one game behind Atlanta (41-39), which ranks eighth.
Pascal Siakam had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Scottie Barnes added 18 points and eight sacks off the backboards.
