The Toronto Raptors play host to the Boston Celtics on Friday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario. This will be Toronto’s first game of the NBA In-Season Tournament, while Boston sits at 1-0 after an impressive 121-107 win against the Brooklyn Nets in their first Group C stage game.
Boston beat Toronto in Boston just six days prior to this contest. The Celtics didn’t have much trouble, winning 117-94. Jayson Tatum had 27, while Jaylen Brown led the way with 29.
Raptors vs Celtics Prediction Spread
- Pick: Celtics -6,5
As a team this season, the Celtics have played better than anybody in the NBA statistically. They have the second-best record in the NBA, and the advanced stats back up what they’ve done. With a 13.7 net rating, Boston doesn’t have much competition. At the moment, the Denver Nuggets own the second-highest net rating in basketball at 9.0, which is a significant difference from Boston’s rating.
Both sides of the ball have been elite for the Celtics thus far. They ranked third in offensive rating (119.5) and second in defensive rating (105.8), making them the only team to be top-three in both offensive and defensive ratings.
For the Raptors, the season could be going better. They have the 18th-rated net rating (-0.7), and the 27th-worst offense in basketball with a (108.1) offensive rating. Fortunately, the defence has been elite this season, posting a top-seven defensive rating (108.8). Toronto is also just 2-3 ATS on their home court.
If things continue to go the way they have, with Boston being one of the best bets of the early season, the Celtics have a great chance of adding to their 1-0 In-Season Tournament record.
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Raptors vs Celtics Betting Tip
- Pick: Jayson Tatum over 25.5
Jayson Tatum has been one of the most profitable 2023 NBA picks. This year, Tatum has hit his point total in eight of the 11 games the Celtics have played. Even against the tough Toronto defence, Tatum finished with 27 points when his point total was at 26.5.
The main reason to play Jayson Tatum’s over on points is that he could potentially miss the match-u with OG Anunoby. Anunoby injured his hand and has been out of the last two Raptors games. This is a good spot for Tatum to do what he does best.
