Betting on the Celtics vs Raptors NBA Eastern Conference Showdown

Posted by Henry Watkins on Thursday,March 17, 2016 11:46, EDT in

There is nothing quite like a big divisional game to get the weekend started, and that is what we will be getting this Friday night when the Toronto Raptors play host to the Boston Celtics at the Air Canada Centre. It’s pretty safe to say that the Raptors have the Atlantic Division all wrapped up at this point, but it’s still all to play for, as the Celtics have a legitimate shot of landing home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs if they can finish the season as strong as they have played it to this point. It has been the Raptors who have won both previous meetings with the Celtics this season, which is just one more reason why Boston are going to come out with all guns blazing in search of the win. This may well be the best game on the Friday night calendar, so be sure to get your wagers in at our pro hoops lines portal before the opening tip.

How To Bet the Boston Vs Toronto NBA Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Friday, March 18 at 7:30 PM EST
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
TV: NBATV
Radio: Celtics and Raptors
Live Stream: NBA TV
NBA Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Boston Celtics

Not so very long ago, we may have referred to this team as the upstart Boston Celtics (39-29), but while other early surprise teams have faltered, the Celtics appear to have gotten better as the season has progressed. There is still a big question as to whether or not this team is good enough to make a deep playoff run, but they are certainly showing that the future is bright in Beantown. Boston does have a little dip in form to contend with heading into this one, as they have now lost 3 straight and 4 of their last 5. In fairness, it was a pretty tough schedule they had to run through, and it doesn’t get any easier on Friday night. The Celtics are 16-17 on the road this season, and are averaging 106.0 PPG, while giving up 102.4 PPG overall.

Why bet on the Toronto Raptors

The Raptors (45-21) continue to try and chip away at the lead the Cleveland Cavaliers have at the top of the Eastern Conference, but they have been unable to get it down to less than 2 games for an eternity now. It’s beginning to look as though they may have to settle for second, but they are not letting that minor disappointment get in the way, as they continue to win at a very steady pace. The Raptors have been particularly good at home, going 26-8 so far this season, and they have also been very good against the best teams in the league, going 22-12 versus opponents with a winning record. Toronto are averaging 103.0 PPG, and are giving up 98.4 PPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Boston have only managed to win 1 of their last 5 games in Toronto, and they had to go to OT to get that single victory. I like Toronto to get the win here, although I do believe it will be a close one.

Boston Celtics 102 Toronto Raptors 105