BOSTON—With an opportunity to take playoff matters into their own hands, the Toronto Raptors couldn’t seal the deal.
With another makeshift rotation thanks to injury, rest and the time of year, the Raptors dropped a 91-79 decision to the Boston Celtics, denying them a chance to tie the franchise record for victories in a year with 49 and to win their way into the playoffs for the third straight season.
However, Toronto did manage to clinch a playoff berth when the Chicago Bulls were upset at home by the New York Knicks, mathematically assuring the Raptors a post-season berth.