Offense meets defense when the Toronto Raptors (1-0) welcome the Boston Celtics (1-0) to Scotiabank Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Toronto opened as a 3-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 207 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Prediction
The Celtics will be looking for a similar outcome after comfortably covering the 4.5-point spread against the Philadelphia 76ers in their last contest, 105-87. The combined points for the game (192) came in well under the projected point total of 211.5. The Celtics had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.6 vs. 12.2) and had a better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 14.1). With 23 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Jayson Tatum was the top scorer from either team.
In the Raptors’ last matchup, they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-104, but were not able to cover as 12.5-point favorites. The game’s combined points (220) finished over the O/U total of 215.5. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Cleveland. The Raptors had a rate of 9.0, while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 13.5. With 24 points and 13 rebounds, Kawhi Leonard put together a good game for Toronto.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Toronto takes on the elite defense of Boston. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are second in defensive efficiency.
Since last season, the Celtics are 56-27 straight up (SU) and 52-47-2 against the spread (ATS). Boston games have had a slight tendency to go under the projected point total since last season (48.5 percent).
Meanwhile, the Raptors, have records of 60-23 SU and 48-43-2 ATS since last season. Games involving Toronto have gone over the projected point total 52.7 percent of the time over that same stretch.
These two teams split four games last season. In the most recent matchup, the Raptors won 96-78. The Raptors had a much better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 15.5) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 vs. 18.2).
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Boston is 43-7 and Toronto is 30-5.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 52-15 and the Raptors are 58-19.
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.8) while Boston ranks 29th (40.1).
The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (6.1) while the Celtics rank 20th (4.5).
Toronto ranks ninth in fast break points per game (13.3) while Boston ranks 27th (9.5).
The Celtics rank third in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Raptors rank 19th (13.0).
Toronto ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Boston ranks 18th (43.7).
The Raptors rank 12th in points off turnovers per game (16.7) while the Celtics rank 25th (15.1).
Toronto ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (24.8) while Boston ranks ninth (27.6).
The Celtics rank third in assists allowed per game (21.2) while the Raptors rank seventh (21.9).
Boston ranks third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Toronto ranks sixth (7.2).
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