The Toronto Raptors (1-0) and their sensational offense will be 3-point favorites when they welcome the Boston Celtics (1-0) and their exceptional defense. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 207 points and it can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors ATS Odds
In the Celtics’ last contest, they had no trouble getting past the Philadelphia 76ers, 105-87, comfortably covering as 4.5-point favorites. The Raptors, on the other hand, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers,116-104, but failed to cover as 13-point favorites. The Boston game finished 19.5 points under the projected point total of 211.5, while the Toronto game finished 4.5 points over the projected point total of 215.5.
Boston played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.6 and a turnover percentage of 11.9. For those same stats, Philadelphia was 12.2 and 14.1, respectively. The Raptors, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 13.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.565 vs. 0.441). Kawhi Leonard had a solid performance for Toronto, putting up 24 points and 13 rebounds. Boston rallied around Jayson Tatum, who recorded 23 points and nine rebounds.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Toronto takes on the top-notch defense of Boston. Dating back to last season, the Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are second in defensive efficiency.
Since last season, the Celtics are 56-27 straight up (SU) and 52-47-2 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of Boston games have finished under the projected point total since last season.
On the other hand, the Raptors, are 60-23 SU and 48-43-2 ATS since last season. Games including Toronto have had a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total over that same stretch (52.7 percent).
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. The Raptors won the most recent game 96-78. The Raptors’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Celtics, who had a rate of 15.5.
Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over