The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics were preseason favorites to claim the Eastern Conference title by season’s end. However, at the beginning of the year, the Celtics were a more popular pick due to uncertainty around the health of Kawhi Leonard among many other factors.

However, as the season has progressed, the Raptors have been the much more consistent team, and they have had much less drama surrounding their team. And that is a big reason why Paul Pierce would rather have the Toronto roster at this point in the season if he had to choose.

“I like what they’ve done with Kawhi Leonard, they’ve got (Marc) Gasol, they’ve added (Jeremy) Lin,” Pierce said. “I just don’t think that they have the clutter around their locker room like Boston has. I think Boston is just Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde right now. They’re great some weeks. [Other weeks] they’re not so good, but Toronto has been steady.”