Expect More Defense in Game 5 Between Boston, Toronto

The Boston Celtics were 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers and winning the first two games of this series. But since then, the Toronto Raptors have evened the series up at two games apiece with back-to-back wins in Game 3 and Game 4. This evenly matched series continues as both teams will be looking for the edge in Game 5 on Monday night.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Toronto opened as a 1-point favorite on Monday, but early bettors have taken the Celtics and pushed the line over to Boston being a 1-point favorite. The total has also moved slightly from its opener of 212.5 down to 212 points. The Raptors were favored by 2 points in Game 1 and 2 and by 2.5 points in Game 3 before closing as 2-point underdogs in Game 4.

Boston News & Notes

Boston opened this series with a bang, picking up a comfortable 112-94 win in Game 1 after cruising to a 39-24 lead in the first quarter. The Celtics followed that win up with a 102-99 win in Game 2 and appeared to be on the verge of a 3-0 stranglehold before being stunned at the buzzer by an OG Anunoby three-pointer that secured a 104-103 win for Toronto. One loss later and that anticipated 3-0 series lead has turned into a 2-2 series deadlock.

Now the Celtics have to show off their mental toughness. With Gordon Hayward out and the momentum no longer going their way, this group needs to find a way to rebound and get back on track offensively against this smothering Raptors defense.

Toronto News & Notes

Toronto has done an excellent job of keeping Boston’s top scorers in check. Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 72.8 points per game against the 76ers, but the Raptors have slashed that combined production to 59.8 points per game.

The Raps have the second-best defense in the postseason, allowing only 104.1 points per game. Unfortunately for the Raptors, they happen to be playing against the team that has had this postseason’s best defense as the Celtics are allowing only 99.9 points per game.

Kyle Lowry has played a key role in helping the team break through on offense over the last two games. After averaging 16.5 points per game in the first two games of the series, Lowry has averaged 26.5 per game in Toronto’s two wins.

Betting Pick: UNDER 212 points

A total of only 212 is very low for today’s NBA. But each of the first four games has gone UNDER, and the intensity in the defensive zones is only going to ramp up even more this late in the series. Look for another defensive nail-biter to stay UNDER the posted total.