Celtics vs. Raptors Prediction
Will the Boston Celtics be able to go on the road and pick up a win over the Toronto Raptors to kick off NBA’s Christmas Day action at Noon ET?
523 Boston Celtics vs. 524 Toronto Raptors
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Noon ET – Scotiabank Arena
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Celtics are favored on the road, as they are getting odds of -3 points against the Raptors. The over/under total for the contest at 212.5 points. The public betting currently has 69 percent going on the Celtics as the road favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Celtics win three straight
Boston is riding a three-game win streak coming into today’s game. The Celtics are coming off a 119-93 win at home over Charlotte on Sunday night. Boston is 20-7 on the season, 8-6 on the road, 17-8-2 against the spread and 16-11 with the under.
The Celtics are putting up 111.2 points per game on offense while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from the arc. Defensively, Boston is giving up just 103.2 points per game while opponents shoot 43.1 percent against them. The Celtics are still without Marcus Smart due to an eye injury, but Gordon Hayward is expected to play today. Kemba Walker has been leading the team with 22.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest. Jayson Tatum is adding 21.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per outing.
Raptors end win streak
Toronto had a five-game win streak come to an end on Monday night in a 120-115 OT loss at Indiana. Despite the loss, the Raptors did cover. The Raptors are 21-9 on the season, 13-3 at home, 18-12 against the spread and 15-14-1 with the over.
The Raptors are giving up just 106.4 points per game this season while holding opponents to only 42 percent shooting. Offensively, Toronto is averaging 112.1 points per game while shooting 45 percent as a team. The Raptors will continue to be without Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell and Marc Gasol today due to injury. Kyle Lowry is leading the team currently with 20.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. Fred VanVleet is adding 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Boston
The Celtics are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games as a favorite and 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a win.
Toronto
The Raptors are 15-6-1 against the spread in their last 22 home games and 28-8 ATS in their last 36 games when playing on 1 day of rest.
Prediction:
The Celtics won the first meeting this season in Boston, 112-106 back on Oct. 25. The Celtics have won and covered in three of their last four against the Raptors, dating back to early in the 2018-19 season. The injury situation continues to concern me for the Raptors. They are without some very key pieces while also playing their third game in four days against quality opponents. The first was a 30-point comeback against Dallas and the second was an OT battle with Indiana. Now they face a Boston team that is getting healthier, has some momentum, and can match Toronto in defensive intensity. I think the Celtics will grind out this cover tonight against a tired Raptors squad.
NBA Prediction: Boston Celtics -3