The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics have split their last 12 games right down the middle at 6-6 SU and ATS. In what will likely be a second-round playoff preview, the Raptors and Celtics meet for the final time in the regular season on Friday night in Orlando.
- Date/Time: August 7, 9 p.m. ET
- Arena: The Arena (WWOS)
- TV Coverage: TNT
- Sportsbook Odds: Raptors -3 | O/U 220 (Line History)
- Raptors vs Celtics Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Toronto opened as a 3-point favorite and that line has remained steady through the early morning. The total has moved down from its opener of 220 points to 218.5 points. Boston has been an underdog 20 times this season and is 9-11 SU and 13-6-1 ATS in those 20 games.
Boston News & Notes
Boston was hoping that the long layoff would give Kemba Walker’s ailing knee the chance to recover, but since returning to action the point guard is still struggling with the injury. Walker has played well in his limited minutes, averaging 15 points per game and going 9-for-15 on three-point attempts in three games since the NBA returned to action, but it’s hard to say what level he’ll be able to contribute at during the postseason. He is expected to play in a limited capacity again on Friday night.
Overall, the Celtics are 2-2 SU and 1-2-1 ATS through their first four games back. Boston went 2-4 SU and 1-3-2 ATS in its last six games before the layoff and would love to get some momentum going again before the postseason starts in a couple of weeks.
Toronto News & Notes
The Toronto Raptors have shown this season that they are a far more complete team than many gave them credit for.
The Raptors leaned heavily on Kawhi Leonard during their championship run in 2018-19 and were expected to take a big step backward after Leonard departed to play in Los Angeles. Instead, the Raptors are 49-18 SU and 38-28-1 ATS in 2019-20 and are one win or one Boston loss away from clinching the No. 2 seed in the East.
The Raptors are a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS since the NBA’s return, including an impressive 107-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Toronto has lost two of its three games against Boston this season; a win in this one would lock up the second seed in the East and take away the potential mental edge the Celtics might have if these two teams meet in the postseason.
Betting Pick: Toronto -3
This should be a great game between the two biggest threats to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference. Toronto gets the pick for how sharp the Raptors have looked so far in the bubble.
- The Celtics are 1-2-1 ATS in 4 bubble games.
- The Raptors are 3-0 SU and ATS in 3 bubble games.
- The OVER is 5-2 in the last 7 games in this matchup.
