Offense meets defense when the Toronto Raptors (55-22) welcome the Boston Celtics (53-24) to Air Canada Centre. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
The Celtics are trying to rebound after their 106-102 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup. Milwaukee’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Boston. The Bucks had a rate of 0.576 (above their season average of 0.533), while the Celtics posted a mark of 0.512. Jaylen Brown was Boston’s high scorer with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
In the Raptors’ last matchup, they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-106. Cleveland was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Cavaliers made 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent), while the Raptors were 11-14 (78.6 percent). Toronto’s Serge Ibaka contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds in the contest.
This battle pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Toronto ranks third in offensive efficiency and Boston ranks first in defensive efficiency.
Boston comes into the contest with records of 53-24 straight up (SU) and 46-27-3 against the spread (ATS). It’s tough to find a trend for games involving the Celtics in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Toronto is 55-22 SU and 40-36 ATS. In opposition of Boston, just over half of Raptors games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jayson Tatum (17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Celtics while Jonas Valanciunas (16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks) has made great contributions to the Raptors.
The Celtics lead the season series against the Raptors two games to one, including an 11-point victory the last time these teams met. Boston covered as a 4.5-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 209 points, which was just 3 points above the projected point total of 206 points. Boston had a much better turnover percentage (4.8 vs. 14.3). Toronto, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 vs. 17.8). DeMar DeRozan was the game’s top overall scorer with 32 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston is 27-11 ATS on the road with 20 unders, 17 overs and 1 push.
At home, Toronto is 19-19 ATS with 19 overs and 19 unders.
Toronto is 25-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Boston is 35-4.
The Raptors are 51-14 when they reach 100 points, while the Celtics are 40-11.
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.6) while Boston ranks 28th (39.4).
The Celtics rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Raptors rank 25th (13.2).
Toronto ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while Boston ranks 25th (15.1).
The Raptors rank eighth in fast break points per game (13.5) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.4).
Toronto ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Boston ranks 18th (4.6).
The Raptors rank third in three pointers attempted per game (32.9) while the Celtics rank 10th (30.6).
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.0) while Toronto ranks ninth (21.9).
The Raptors rank 16th in rebounds per game (43.7) while the Celtics rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Boston ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Toronto ranks sixth (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Toronto is 0-5 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.2 points per game (7.6 above their season average).
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