Boston opened the 2020 East semifinals with a 112-94 win over Toronto in the NBA bubble, led by 21-point nights from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, plus 18 from Kemba Walker with 10 assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 17 and 5, Daniel Theis added 13 and 15 rebounds, and Robert Williams III chipped in 10 and 5 off the bench as the Celtics cruised from start to finish.

The Raptors, defending champions, never locked in and trailed all game, while Boston’s depth and late-game efficiency gave the series a 1-0 edge. The win came amid a pandemic-era playoff landscape at the Wide World of Sports Complex, and also coincided with the birthday of Celtics icon Robert Parish, a reminder of the franchise’s rich history even as the present game unfolded with a new normal.

Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free-agent status continues to dominate the NBA chatter, with Golden State holding a high price tag that’s kept other offers at bay and stalled any roster revamps. The Warriors’ window to upgrade hinges on Kuminga’s decision, especially as they watched free-agent targets slip away through the summer. Sports Illustrated’s mock trade suggests a bold pivot: Kuminga to Portland in a deal that would also bring Toumani Camara and Robert Williams III to Golden State, while Gui Santos heads to Atlanta. Portland would send Matisse Thybulle to Atlanta for Kobe Bufkin and a 2030 second-round pick. The proposed swap would reshape each franchise’s core and create fresh fantasy angles across the board.

In the fantasy-sports frame, Kuminga’s value is tied to his role; in a Portland setting, his fantasy ceiling could rise if he becomes a primary option, but it hinges on usage and fit. Camara plugs in as a defensive-forward with upside, while Williams III would provide rim protection and inside scoring, albeit with injury risk. Bufkin could seize a larger role in Atlanta, Thybulle would add defensive court presence with limited scoring upside, and Gui Santos represents a potential breakout candidate if he lands in a favorable situation. The trade’s price tag—two future firsts and a rotated cast—rafts a high-stakes gamble for Warriors, Blazers, Hawks, and their fantasy ecosystems.

Robert Williams III remains a tantalizing defensive force for Portland, but a pair of injury-riddled seasons has Blazers fans weighing the risk of keeping him on the books as he nears free agency. With Deandre Ayton out of the picture and a crowded center rotation featuring Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen, Duop Reath, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija, Williams’ floor time is far from guaranteed. A healthy Williams could still be a cornerstone, but 40 games would be a meaningful baseline to unlock trade value or an extension in a tight, youth-heavy lineup.

In Portland’s world, Williams’ rim protection, reach and feel for help defense matter most when he’s on the floor. Offensively, he finishes efficiently at the rim and can pass out of traffic, but durability is the dividing line between a high-impact role and a luxury add. The Blazers face a fork in the road at the February deadline: maximize Williams as a trade chip if he stays healthy, or recalibrate the frontcourt around their budding bigs if health falters.

On this day in Celtics history, we celebrate the birth of Greg Kite, a notable reserve player who was drafted by Boston in 1983. Kite was part of two championship teams, averaging 1.6 points and 2 rebounds over five seasons. His unique journey included playing alongside legends like Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson. Additionally, the Celtics made history by defeating the Brooklyn Nets in the Orlando bubble, showcasing standout performances from Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Robert Williams III.