The top two teams in the Atlantic Division chose to go in very different directions at the NBA trade deadline, as the division-leading Boston Celtics decided to stand pat despite sitting on a bevy of assets while the chasing Toronto Raptors revamped their roster thanks to two savvy moves. The rivals will renew acquaintances in Canada tonight, where the Raps opened as 3.5-point chalk with a total of 217.
- The Celtics are 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS in their last seven games against the Raptors.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Raptors' last six games against the Eastern Conference.
- The Raptors are 14-1 SU in their last 15 games at home after failing to cover in their most recent home game.
Boston emerges from the all-star break only three games behind first-place Cleveland in the Eastern Conference thanks to a 24-8 surge up the standings. The Celtics had won four in a row before suffering a one-point loss to Chicago prior to the break that was decided on one of the worst foul calls of the season which came against Marcus Smart.
Toronto was floundering to the tune of a 4-11 stretch just a few weeks ago, but team president Masai Ujiri flipped the script on the East by acquiring badly needed starting power forward Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic and making a last-second deal to get defensive stopper P.J. Tucker from the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
The UNDER has been a hot bet when these Eastern Conference foes collide. In the past five meetings between the Raps and Celts, the UNDER is 4-1.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Boston Celtics betting line opened this morning as 3.5-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while the total was hovering around 217 at Sportsbook and other betting odds shops.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 109-102 victory for the Raptors. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Boston Celtics have seen them go 37-20 and 30-26-1 ATS so far this NBA season, while the Toronto Raptors are at 33-24 and 31-25-1 ATS. In Over/Under totals betting, the Raptors are 32-24-1, while the Boston Celtics are 30-26-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Toronto vs Boston injuries news.
The Raptors - Celtics betting odds would favor the Celtics if the lines were set according to power rankings. Toronto is rated No. 13 in our latest Odds Shark poll, while the Boston Celtics sit at No. 6.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Boston Celtics rank No. 28 in the league with 41.12 per game. That compares with Toronto's No. 24 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Toronto is the NBA's No. 17-ranked team at 9.23 per game, while the Boston Celtics rate No. 4 with 12.23 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Boston got 29 points from Isaiah Thomas en route to a 104-103 loss against Chicago on Thursday at United Center.
Kyle Lowry scored 21 points leading the Raptors to a 90-85 victory over Charlotte at Air Canada Centre on Wednesday.
- Boston is 16-6-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
- Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games on the road
- Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
- Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Toronto is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games
- Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Boston at Detroit, Sunday, February 26th
Toronto home to Portland, Sunday, February 26th
