Celtics vs. Raptors Pick
The Boston Celtics hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors tonight in a key clash of two of the Eastern Conference’s best at 8PM ET.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Raptors are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -4 points against the Celtics. The over/under total for the game is listed at 217 points. The home team has won five of the last six in this series, including two of the three meetings this season. The Raptors are 5-1 against the spread in the last six meetings with the Celtics.
Boston is coming off a 104-103 loss to the Bulls in controversial fashion. The Celtics had won four straight prior to that. They are 37-20 on the season with a 17-12 record on the road. The Celts are 29-26-2 against the spread as well. Boston is averaging 108.4 points per game on offense while allowing 105.6 on defense. When on the road, the Celtics are scoring just 106.9 points per game. Avery Bradley is doubtful to play tonight because of an Achilles injury. He is averaging 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Isaiah Thomas is leading the team with 29.9 points and 6.3 assists per contest.
Toronto snapped a three-game losing streak with a 90-85 win over Charlotte before the All-Star break. Toronto is putting up 108.5 points per game on offense while allowing 104.3 points per contest on defense. The Raptors are now 33-24 on the season and 19-10 at home while going 31-25-1 against the spread. DeMar DeRozan is leading the team with 27.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while Kyle Lowry is putting up 22.8 points and 6.9 assists per contest.
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The Celtics are emerging as one of the best teams in the East and they are certainly capable of winning tonight. The Raptors are still a steady team at home but Boston has the firepower behind Thomas’ fourth-quarter ability. Even if the Celtics are unable to win this game, I expect it to be competitive and come down to the wire.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS +4