Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction, NBA Odds
The Toronto Raptors look to snap a four-game losing streak on home hardwood when they return to Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night to face the archrival Boston Celtics. The Raptors completed the sweep of a two-game road trip with Thursday’s 111-105 victory in Milwaukee to maintain control of third place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics travel north of the border after snapping a two-game losing streak with Friday’s 129-116 win in Friday’s home date with Miami and now sit just a half-game back of the Raptos going into Saturday’s NBA betting action.
The Celtics lead the way as 1.5-point road favourites on Saturday’s NBA odds.
Celtics vs. Raptors NBA Betting Odds
Saturday’s matchup marks the second meeting between these teams in a week. The Celtics rolled to a 121-113 contest when they visited Scotiabank Arena last Saturday, and have now topped the Raptors in 12 of their past 13 clashes including wins in six of seven matchups in Toronto. However, the Raptors have held the edge at the sportsbook in recent dates with Boston, going 5-3 ATS in their past eight tilts. With their two road wins this week, the Raptors put the brakes on a dismal 1-6 SU run that dumped them out of second place in the conference. Toronto got the job done with stingy defence, allowing just 100.5 points per game in their victories over the Bucks and Heat after allowing at least 116 points six times during their preceding 1-6 run. That translates into a 3-0 run for the UNDER in totals betting after seeing the OVER payout in three of their previous four.
Boston Celtics
It took the Celtics three quarters before finally seizing control in Friday’s victory over Miami, which they sealed with an impressive 37-point rally in the fourth quarter. Derrick White led the way with a season-high 33 points and has now reached the 30-point mark in three of his past six outings and averaged 32 points over the past two games. The veteran guard also enjoyed a big night in last week’s visit to Toronto, dropping 27 points, which marks a big improvement over the 15 points he has averaged when facing the Raptors over the past two season. In addition, Jaylen brown performed as expected versus the Heat, racking up 30 points and nine rebounds and has averaged 33.2 points in six December outings while tallying at least eight boards on four occasions.
Toronto Raptors
The dynamic duo of Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors in Thursday’s victory. Ingram led all shooters with 29 points to go along with eight boards and has averaged 29.5 points over his past four outings. Barnes turned in his highest scoring performance since December 2, piling up 24 points. Barnes also added 11 rebounds to record his fourth double-double in six games including an 18-point, 11-board performance last weekend versus Boston. And with four double-doubles in six home appearances, Barnes should be taken on the NBA player props as a XXX bet to duplicate that feat once again on Saturday night. Injuries remain a concern for this club entering the weekend. The Raptors were without both RJ Barrett and big man Jakob Poeltl on Thursday. Poeltl is tending towards a return to action on Saturday, but the Barrett’s status remains uncertain after missing the past 11 games with a knee injury.
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