Offense meets defense when the Toronto Raptors (55-20) head to Boston to take on the Celtics (52-23). The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The last time the Raptors played, they topped the Denver Nuggets, 114-110. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Denver. The Raptors had a rate of 8.6 (better than their season average of 11.6), while the Nuggets posted a mark of 10.4. Toronto was lifted by Serge Ibaka, who contributed 13 points and six rebounds.
The Celtics edged the Utah Jazz in their last matchup, 97-94. Boston held the Jazz to an effective field goal percentage of 0.470 (below their season average of 0.523). Utah, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.9 (above their season average of 21.1). Jaylen Brown led Boston in scoring with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
Points could be at a premium as two of the NBA’s best defenses clash. Boston currently ranks first in defensive efficiency (101.9) and Toronto is fifth (104.3).
Toronto comes into the contest with records of 55-20 straight up (SU) and 40-35 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Raptors’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Boston is 52-23 SU and 45-27-3 ATS. Unlike Toronto, a little over half of Celtics games have finished under the total.
Terry Rozier and Jayson Tatum have played at a high level over the last five games for Boston. Rozier has averaged 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Tatum has recorded 18.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals a game during that span.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Raptors won the most recent matchup 111-91, covering as 5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 202 points, which was 6.5 points below the projected point total of 208.5 points. Toronto’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Boston. The Raptors had a rate of 0.606 while the Celtics posted a mark of 0.458. Kyle Lowry was the game’s top overall scorer with 23 points.
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics Betting Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Toronto is 21-16 ATS on the road with 20 overs and 17 unders.
At home, Boston is 18-16-3 ATS with 19 overs and 18 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Toronto is 25-5 and Boston is 34-4.
When reaching the century mark, the Raptors are 51-13 and the Celtics are 39-10.
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.5) while Boston ranks 27th (38.9).
The Raptors rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the Celtics rank 26th (15.0).
Boston ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Toronto ranks 26th (13.3).
The Raptors rank eighth in fast break points per game (13.7) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.5).
Toronto ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Boston ranks 18th (4.6).
The Raptors rank second in three pointers allowed per game (25.0) while the Celtics rank ninth (27.3).
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.9) while Toronto ranks ninth (22.0).
The Raptors average 43.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. The Celtics rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Toronto ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Boston ranks seventh (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Toronto is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Boston is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 101.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 96.0 points per game (4.1 below their season average).
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