The Toronto Raptors (55-22) and their sensational offense host the Boston Celtics (53-24) and their tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Raptors fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-106, while the Celtics were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 106-102.
Boston did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (19-24; 79.2 percent) while Toronto held Cleveland to an offensive rebounding percentage of 5.1 (below their season average of 20.1). Serge Ibaka had a good game for Toronto with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Boston received a boost from Jaylen Brown, who put up 24 points.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Toronto (third in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 112.0) takes on the stingy defense of Boston (first in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 102.0).
Celtics games have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Boston heads into the game with records of 53-24 straight up (SU) and 46-27-3 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Boston, Raptors games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (52.6 percent). Further, Toronto owns records of 55-22 SU and 40-36 ATS.
The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas has averaged 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks during that same time frame for the Raptors.
In three matchups against each other this year, the Celtics have won two. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to score 209 points, just over the projected point total of 206. Boston won 110-99, covering as a 4.5-point underdog. Boston had a much better turnover percentage (4.8 vs. 14.3). Toronto, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 vs. 17.8). DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 32 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors average 43.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the league. The Celtics rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
- Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.6) while Boston ranks 28th (39.4).
- The Raptors rank eighth in fast break points per game (13.5) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.4).
- Toronto ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Boston ranks 18th (4.6).
- Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.0) while Toronto ranks ninth (21.9).
- The Celtics rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Raptors rank 25th (13.2).
- The Raptors rank third in three pointers attempted per game (32.9) while the Celtics rank 10th (30.6).
- Boston ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Toronto ranks sixth (7.1).
- Toronto ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while Boston ranks 25th (15.1).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Boston is 35-4 and Toronto is 25-5.
- The Celtics are 40-11 when they score over 100 points, while the Raptors are 51-14.
- Boston is 27-11 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 19-19 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 19 of the Raptors’ 38 home games, while 20 of the Celtics’ 38 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Raptors are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Toronto has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 4.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.2 points per game (7.6 above their season average).
