Raptors Make Roster Move Before Celtics Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 4:48 PM ET

On Tuesday night, the Toronto Raptors will host the Boston Celtics in their fourth and final matchup of the season. Currently, the Celtics are up 2-1 in the season series, with their last battle culminating in a stunning loss on Jan. 15 at Scotiabank Arena.

The defending champion Celtics are looking like their true selves once again, having won 12 of their last 15 games and five straight. However, the Raptors have not had the same type of luck, having won just three of their last 10 games.

Ahead of their matchup against the Celtics, however, the Raptors made a few interesting roster moves.

According to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet, Toronto has sent Jamison Battle, Jared Rhoden, and A.J. Lawson down to the G League before their game against Boston.

As Murphy mentions, the Raptors 905 are pushing for the playoffs and need all the reinforcements they can get.

Jamison Battle, Jared Rhoden, and AJ Lawson are with Raptors 905 today.

905 are in a playoff push and head out for a road trip Wed-Fri-Sat-Mon. Makes sense to send whoever isn't getting rotation minutes to help get that playoff spot locked up.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) February 24, 2025

The most interesting name here is Battle. He has appeared in 39 games for the Raptors this season and scored 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers his last time out.

Regardless of the timing of these roster moves, they are unlikely to have any type of significance against the Celtics anyway.

Jamison Battle has been promoted! Big congrats to the @Raptors905 two-way signee on signing a standard NBA contract with the @Raptors. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jAKFqQwvQJ
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 8, 2025

Despite a slump in December and January, the Celtics have drastically turned things around and are looking like true title contenders once again. They remain six games behind the Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed.

While not impossible, it is unlikely the Celtics will lap them in the standings. Regardless, another deep playoff run seems inevitable as Boston aims to become the first team since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back championships.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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