Celtics vs. Raptors Analysis & Spread Pick

Boston Celtics (19-5 SU, 15-9-0 ATS) vs. Toronto Raptors (12-11 SU, 13-10-0 ATS)
When: Monday, December 5th, 7:30 PM (ET)
Where: Scotiabank Arena, ON, Toronto
TV: NBCS

Point Spread: BOS -1.0/ TOR -1
Total: 227.0
Money Line: Boston Celtics -116/ -106

Notable Injuries

Celtics

• Marcus Smart (Out) Hip
• Danilo Gallinari (Out) Knee
• Robert Williams III (Out) Knee

Raptors

• Otto Porter Jr. (Out) Foot
• Juancho Hernangomez (Doubtful) Ankle
• Precious Achiuwa (Out) Ankle

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Boston is 19-5 overall. When taking to the road, Boston has a mark of 8-3 and a win percentage of 73.0%. Currently, the team is 1st in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 15-9-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 4-1 in their past five games and 4-1 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 8-2 SU and 8-2 ATS.

In their last game, Boston defeated Nets (103-92) as 2-point favorites. Jaylen Brown led the team with 34 on 50.0% shooting. The Celtics also covered the spread with the victory.

Heading into the game, Toronto is 12-11 overall. When playing at home, Toronto has a mark of 9-2 and a win percentage of 82%. Currently, the team is 7th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 13-10-0 vs. the spread. In Toronto’s last five games, the Raptors have a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 3-2 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 5-5 and 5-5 ATS.

In their last game, Toronto defeated Magic (121-108) as 11-point favorites. OG Anunoby led the team with 32 on 70.6% shooting. The Raptors also covered the spread with the victory.

The Historicals

Today’s game will be the first matchup of the season between Boston and Toronto. Last season, the Celtics and Raptors split the series when played on Toronto’s home floor.

Analysis

For the season, Boston has put together one of the top-scoring offenses in the NBA at 120.8 points per game. When looking at their style of play, the team is currently near the league average in pace, averaging 99.4 possessions per contest. The Celtics have been able to put together a strong offensive attack despite sitting just 1st in a 3-point shooting percentage. Overall, they are among the league leaders in attempts at 41.6 attempts per game. Defensively, the Celtics have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 104.48 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 33.86%.

Jayson Tatum comes into the game as Boston’s leading scorer at 30.7 points per game, while Jaylen Brown is not far behind at 27 points per contest.

This season, the Raptors’ offense is averaging 110.9 points per game, which is 20th in the NBA. In terms of pace, Toronto has been playing at one of the slower tempo’s in the league, averaging just 97.7 possessions per game. Toronto’s 3-point shooting numbers are below the league average, as they have hit just 32.9% of their looks from deep. On average, the team gets up 32.3 3-point shots per game, placing them 17th in the NBA. Defensively, the Raptors have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.1 points per game. So far, they have allowed a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.34%, placing them 17th in the NBA.

OG Anunoby heads into the game averaging 19.4 points per game, which is the best on the team. Gary Trent Jr. is the second-leading scorer in the matchup, averaging 16.5 points per contest.

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Betting Trends

• The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
• The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last seven after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

This is a tough spot for the Celtics coming off a back-to-back and having to go through customs. There’s good betting value here with the Raptors. Don’t be surprised if this game moves to a pick’em or if Toronto becomes a favorite by tip-off.