The Boston Celtics (20-7) and their great offense visit Toronto to play the Raptors (21-9) and their exceptional defense. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
The Celtics come in on a high note after easily covering the 12.5-point spread against the Charlotte Hornets in their last matchup, 119-93. The Raptors, meanwhile, were defeated by the Indiana Pacers, 120-115, and were not able to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Boston game finished 3 points over the projected point total of 209, while the Toronto game finished 24.5 points over the projected point total of 210.5.
The Celtics had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 23.4) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.522). Toronto, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (18-24; 75.0 percent). Toronto was led by Kyle Lowry, who finished with 30 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum was a key piece for Boston with 39 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Tatum led the Celtics to a 112-106 victory. He recorded 25 points and nine rebounds. Boston covered as a 3-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 218 points, which was just over the projected point total of 213. Boston had a much better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 21.2). Toronto, on the other hand, made 18 of its 36 three pointers (50.0 percent).
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the NBA’s premier defenses. Toronto currently ranks second in defensive efficiency (102.2) and Boston is third (102.4). Additionally, the Celtics commit the fifth-fewest errors in the league (turnover percentage of 12.8 percent), while the pesky defense of the Raptors causes the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics allow the fewest steals per game (6.3) while the Raptors rank second (6.7).
- Boston ranks ninth in rebounds per game (46.1) while Toronto ranks last in rebounds allowed per game (48.3).
- The Celtics rank sixth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Raptors rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- Toronto ranks first in fast break points per game (19.3) while Boston ranks ninth (14.4).
- Boston ranks 19th in second chance points per game (12.9) while Toronto ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (14.4).
- The Celtics rank sixth in assists allowed per game (22.9) while the Raptors rank 26th (25.7).
- The Raptors rank second in points off turnovers per game (19.7) while the Celtics rank ninth (18.1).
- Boston is second in the league with 41.3 points allowed in the paint per game while Toronto is third with 42.4 points allowed in the paint per game.
- Toronto averages 35.9 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Boston ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (34.9).
- Toronto is 9-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 8-1.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 19-4 and the Raptors are 19-7.
- Toronto is 10-6 ATS at home, while Boston is 8-5-1 ATS on the road.
- Of the Celtics’ 14 road games, they have 9 unders and 5 overs.
- The Raptors have 11 overs and 5 unders in 16 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Boston and Toronto are both 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 113.6 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.2 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
- The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 5.7 for the season.
