The Toronto Raptors never faced the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday, leaving them ninth-place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

This tough 121-102 defeat confirms the participation of the Silver Circuit’s only Canadian team in the “play-in” tournament, where they will first meet the Chicago Bulls (10th). In the event of a win, the “Raps” would face the loser of the duel between the Miami Heat (7th) and the Atlanta Hawks (8th) for a spot in the Spring Waltz.

The powerful Celtics pulverized Nick Nurse’s squad in the first half. Thanks to 21 points from Jayson Tatum, who was later injured, the hosts took the lead 68:40 after 24 minutes.

The surprising Sam Hauser led the rest of the game. With 26 collected points, he made a personal mark. Derrick White, with a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists, and Payton Pritchard, with 22 points, also did their best.

Things were much more complicated in the Toronto warehouse, which had a poor efficiency rate of 29% from downtown. Pascal Siakam (19 points) and Precious Achiuwa (16 points) were the most successful “raps”.

Montréaler Chris Boucher made it in 16 minutes with five points and four rebounds.

The Raptors wrap up their regular season Sunday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.

An embarrassing loss for the Pacers

At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers were upset by the NBA’s worst team, the Detroit Pistons, 122-115.

Surprisingly, the hosts’ five starting players, including Quebec’s Bennedict Mathurin, showed a positive difference in the loss. However, the benchers couldn’t keep up with the Pistons.

Mathurin had some efficiency issues around the ring, but he still recorded 16 points and four rebounds.

Jaden Ivey (29 points) and Killian Hayes (28 points) bothered the Pacers.