Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, NBA Odds
The NBA odds will depend on whether key players on either side sit out.
Raptors vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
This could be a first-round Eastern Conference playoff preview as Boston should finish either first or second in the conference and would host one of the play-in tournament winners, which is where Toronto is ticketed for.
The Celtics lead the season series 2-0 but they haven’t played since Jan. 21. Pascal Siakam is averaging 29.0 points and 8.5 assists in the two, Gary Trent Jr. 21.0 ppg, and Scottie Barnes 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Jayson Tatum had 31 points and 12 rebounds in his one game for Boston, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in his two.
Boston leads the all-time series 64-42 and 38-14 at home. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto won for the fifth time in six games and clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament with a 120-100 win at tanking Charlotte on Tuesday to sweep the two-game set. Seven players scored in double digits against a terrible defence, led by Pascal Siakam’s 22 points, and 21 from Chris Boucher and 20 from Will Barton off the bench. Nick Nurse was able to go deep into his bench and only Siakam played more than 30 minutes, which is obviously relevant in the second of a back-to-back. Siakam is leading the NBA in minutes for the second straight year (37.5). Toronto moved above .500 for the first time since Dec. 9. Gary Trent Jr. was out again with back spasms. Guard Jeff Dowtin Jr. remains on a two-way contract. The Raptors would need to convert him to a standard contract by Thursday in order for him to eligible for the postseason. They are 8-2-1 ATS in their past 11.
Boston Celtics
Boston played without All-Star Jaylen Brown and starting centre Robert Williams on Tuesday in its regular-season road finale and lost 103-101 in Philadelphia to essentially end any shot the Celtics had of finishing first in the East – that will go to Milwaukee. The C’s might still keep playing their key guys until they lock up the No. 2 seed, which would happen with a win tonight. Thus, both Brown and Williams might play. Boston is 9-4 this season without Brown. Derrick White started for him Tuesday and had 26 points. Jayson Tatum had 19 but was only 7-for-20. Marcus Smart played through a pinched nerve, so he’s in question for Wednesday. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their past five after a loss.
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