Raptors vs. Celtics Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
The Celtics have hit a new low as they come in on a three-game losing skid that has them firmly entrenched in fifth place in the East. But Kyrie Irving will return from injury, making Boston a slight favourite against the league-leading Raptors.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Bettors will undoubtedly like the home side in this one, especially with such a narrow spread between the teams. While the Raptors are the class of the NBA at 33-12, the home team has covered seven consecutive meetings between the teams, while Toronto is a dismal 5-13-1 ATS in its past 19 visits to TD Garden. The Raptors have been an even worse cover option on the road in general, having gone 1-7 ATS in its last eight away from Scotiabank Arena.
While there are no predominant totals trends between the teams, both sides have been terrific over options heading into Wednesday’s marquee matchup. The Raptors come in having gone 6-1 O/U in their past seven games while converting the over in four straight road games vs. teams with winning home records. Boston is 8-3 to the over in its previous 11 vs. Eastern Conference opponents, and 17-7 O/U in its last 24 games overall.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto’s depth could come under fire in this one, with two key players out and two others considered questionable. Jonas Valanciunas remains sidelined with a broken thumb while O.G. Anunoby – widely considered Toronto’s second-best defender – will miss the game due to personal reasons. Backup point guard Fred VanVleet and swingman C.J. Miles are listed as questionable, though stars Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry are expected to play.
Boston Celtics
Rediscovering its offensive spark is paramount for Boston if it has any hope of challenging Toronto, Milwaukee, Indiana or Philadelphia for Eastern Conference supremacy. The Celtics have scored an average of 101.3 points over the course of their three-game skid, which comes on the heels of an incredible 135-point showing in a win over the Pacers. Boston still ranks in the top 10 in field-goal shooting for the month at 47.4 percent.
