The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics continue their Eastern Conference best-of-seven series for Game 3 Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the bubble at Lake Buena Vista, Fla. We analyze the Raptors-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Raptors vs. Celtics: Key injuries
Celtics
- SF Gordon Hayward (ankle) out
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Raptors vs. Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:35 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Raptors 105, Celtics 102
Moneyline (ML)
The RAPTORS (-115), the defending world champions, are being treated rather rudely in this series so far by the Celtics (-106). Nothing has worked for the champs, as the C’s have played suffocating defense in limiting Toronto to just 96.5 points per game through two contests. It’s not terribly shocking considering Boston was No. 2 in the NBA in scoring defense at 107.3 PPG.
The Celtics’ plan from the jump was limiting Raptors PF Pascal Siakam at the offensive end, making someone beat them. So far, it’s working. Still, the Raps aren’t going down 3-0 in this series. They have the heart of a champion and it will shine through Thursday night.
New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Raptors would return a profit of $8.70, while a $10 winner on the Celtics would fetch a profit of just $9.52.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The RAPTORS -1 (-110) are slight favorites, but there is really no sense in betting this rather than the moneyline. If Toronto wins by one, albeit a very small chance, you would push rather than win with the moneyline. The same goes for the Celtics +1 (-110). Just bet the ML.
Also see:
- CelticsWire – The latest Celtics coverage
- Toronto Raptors rumors (HoopsHype)
- HoopsHype – The latest NBA coverage
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 215.5 (-110) came through in each of the first two games in this series, with an average of 203.5. It’s unlikely we’ll see a bump in offense. As mentioned above, Boston is No. 2 in scoring defense. Toronto is No. 1, and the Under is 4-1 in their past five playoff games. Look for a nice defensive slog.
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