The Boston Celtics (4-3) visit the Toronto Raptors (1-4) at their 2020-21 home of Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The Celtics snuck past the Detroit Pistons 122-120 Sunday to earn a split of their back-to-back. The Raptors had a rest day following a 120-116 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday.
Celtics at Raptors: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Raptors -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +2.5 (-105) | Raptors -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Celtics at Raptors: Key Injuries
Celtics
- PG Kemba Walker (knee) out
- SG Romeo Langford (wrist) out
- PG Javonte Green (health and safety protocols) out
Raptors
- None affecting betting lines.
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Celtics at Raptors: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Celtics 106, Raptors 103
Money line (ML)
The CELTICS (+125) are in a less than ideal spot by playing the second half of a back-to-back and third game of four straight on the road, but they’re still the play at plus-money against a struggling 1-4 Raptors team. Boston won three of four games against Toronto last regular season before winning their second-round playoff series in seven games.
The Celtics haven’t been at full strength yet this season and are missing Walker’s ball movement at the point, but SF Jayson Tatum will be the best player on the floor Monday. He’s averaging 24.3 points per game while SG Jaylen Brown leads the C’s with 28.0 PPG.
Three Celtics players played at 34 minutes Sunday but that was a matinee game which allows for a little extra rest ahead of Monday’s 7:30 p.m. ET tip. Toronto’s still struggling at both ends of the court after key offseason departures and shouldn’t be favored against its top competition so far this season.
Against the spread (ATS)
The money line is the superior play due to the +125 odds, but the CELTICS +2.5 (-105) should be backed with a little insurance in the event of a loss. Toronto’s three playoff wins against Boston last year were by 1, 7 and 3 points (in double overtime).
The Celtics are being outscored 112.3 to 111.6 on average, despite their 4-3 record. The Raptors’ minus-6.0 second-half scoring differential ranks 27th in the Association while the Celtics rank 25th at minus-5.0. It’s best to grab the three points with sloppy play expected once again in the final 24 minutes Monday.
Over/Under (O/U)
Back the UNDER 216.5 (-105). The Raptors are seventh in the NBA in pace (105.4 possessions per game) but second-to-last in offensive efficiency with 105.4 points per 100 possessions. The Celtics are 23rd in pace with 101.9 possessions per game.
Seven of last season’s 11 combined meetings played below Monday’s projected total.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- WATCH: Is Robert Williams having a breakout season? (Celtics Wire)
- Every team’s best chance for a major award in 2020-21 (Hoops Hype)
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