Celtics vs. Raptors prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Toronto Raptors host the Boston Celtics for the Atlantic Division battle on Wednesday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Celtics-Raptors prediction and pick.

The Celtics are coming off a shockingly close New Orleans Pelicans. Joe Macula was not happy with the resultdespite the victory. They survived in the end despite a 5 second call that nearly cost them at the buzzer. Now the Celtics take on the Raptors who have yet to win 10 games this season. The Celtics are 28-11 and trying to catch up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston now trails by 5.5 games and needs to stay the course and will have a chance to do so.

The Raptors are not a good team and could finish the season with the worst record in the league. However, they are coming off a win against the Golden State Warriors. The coach had some funny remarks after the victory saying that he would win “drunk” in celebration when Steph Curry retires.

Toronto blew the Celtics the last time they played when they lost by 54 points. They need to build on their last win to even stay close to the Celtics, who are hungry.

Here’s Celtics-Raptors NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA Odds: Celtics-Raptors NBA Odds

Boston Celtics: -12 (-112)

Money line: -650

Toronto Raptors: +12 (-108)

Moneiline: +480

More: 229 (-110)

Below: 229 (-110)

How to watch Celtics vs. Raptors

Time: 7:30 ET/4:30 PT

TV: NBC Sports Boston, TSN

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Celtics could cover the spread/win

The best news the team has right now is that they are healthy. They play together as a complete unit which has rarely happened since they acquired Kristaps Porzingis before last season. The Celtics lost to the Sacramento Kings, but responded with a win against the Pelicans. It’s been a successful road trip for the Celtics and even though they’re on the road for this game, they’re back home for two games before returning for another road trip. The schedule is getting tough for them so the good news is that they are at full strength.

Jayson Tatum is having an MVP-caliber season. He won’t win the award, but the Celtics have bigger goals in mind. The superstar is averaging 28.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals and is shooting 46.2 percent from the field. He scored 38 in the win against the Pelicans and has scored 30+ 18 times this year.

Jaylen Brown and Porzingis are also playing great. Brown has 23.8 per game and Porzingis 18.6, third on the team. Peyton Pritchard continues to shine off the bench. He is currently the favorite to win Sixth man of the year this season. He is averaging 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals off the bench.

The Celtics should have no problem covering this spread unless they are hurting themselves from a lack of effort. They had an “uninspiring” game against the Pelicans, and they can’t do that against the Raptors already knowing they are a much better team.

Why the Raptors could cover the spread/win

Toronto shocked many when they came back and beat the Warriors last time out. If they fall behind the Celtics, there’s a chance they could cover the spread in garbage time. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes both score less than 20 points per game and give the offense an efficient score. Immanuel Quickley was ruled out of this game and will be a big loss for the Raptors. He is scoring 16.2 points per game in nine starts.

The Raptors are 22-17-1 against the spread this season. They are usually big underdogs which allows them to cover more often. This time out they are at home against Boston, but after their 54 point loss last time they played, it will be hard to imagine them covering. They average over 15 turnovers per game and the Celtics are an elite defensive team that produces good results in transition with Tatum, Brown, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.

Jakob Poeltl is a big factor in this game. He is 9th in the NBA in rebounding at 10.6 per game and 6th in FG% at 60.5%. He jumps and scores effectively which is what can disrupt the Celtics the most. Kristaps Porzingis will defend him to start, but Al Horford should defend him a lot, giving him an even bigger advantage against the lower center.

Celtics-Raptors final prediction and pick

This is unreasonable to me. The Celtics are much better and should cruise to a win on the road. They’re trying to get the Cavs.

Celtics-Raptors final predictions and picks: Celtics -12 (-112)