Boston Celtics fans were expecting a repeat run to the Eastern Conference Finals. In fact, Boston was the betting on NBA games favorite to win the East. However, an inconsistent offense has plagued them all season. As a result, the Toronto Raptors have swooped in to take advantage. The Raps sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. Problematic is their horrific drop in betting value lately. Red Ink is drowning gamblers that back Toronto. Meanwhile Boston has seen a resurgence in their profitability.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 4, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +7½ (-110) | 206 (-110) |  |
| Raptors | -7½ (-110) | 206 (-110) | |
| |||
Celtics vs. Raptors TV Coverage: ESPN
Boston
Boston has shown good betting on NBA games value lately. In their last nine games they have gotten the money seven times. Under the total has paid in seven of their last ten games. On the road the Celtics have paid in 27 of 38 games. Defensively they rank third best in the NBA. Offsetting that is an offense that ranks 19th in the Association. Two games separate Boston from first place Toronto in the East. Head coach Brad Stevens continues to amaze. He has kept the Celtics in contention despite the absence of top scorer Kyrie Irving.
Toronto
Toronto has brought home the money in just one of their last nine games. Six of their last eight games have gone over the total. Home court has provided no real advantage for the Raps. They are 19-19 against the number at Air Canada Center. Offensively Toronto ranks third best in the league. On defense the Raptors are above average and rank 10th in the NBA. Dwane Casey has emerged as one of the top coaches in the game. He has led the franchise to its most successful era.
Team vs. Team
Boston has won three in a row straight up against Toronto. They have posted two sportsbook payouts in those three games. Four of the last five between the Celtics and Raptors went under the total. But Toronto has dominated this series at Air Canada Center. Five straight payouts have gone to the Raps against the Celtics at Toronto. Three of the last four in this series at ACC have gone under the number.
Names to Watch out For
Adding to the offensive woes of Boston is the knee injury of Kyrie Irving. He is out until early May. Irving was the Celtics leading scorer with 24 points per game. The next highest scorer on the team is Jaylen Brown at 14 points per game. DeMar DeRozan is the Toronto triggerman. The four-time NBA All Star is averaging a team best 23 points per game.
Matchup to Watch
Toronto has the clear betting on NBA games advantage here. Boston is without its only legitimate offensive threat. At home the Raptors literally own the Celtics. The recent drop in betting value for Toronto is unsustainable. The odds have to even out. Stevens and crew must be respected for their pluck. But this matchup is a daunting task. Toronto has the matchup edge based on complete lineup. Demar DeRozan is the difference.
Celtics vs. Raptors NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Toronto has been the more complete team and gets the call!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Toronto Raptors
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Raptors 112, Celtics 92
Check out DeMar DeRozan All Star Highlights!