Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors Betting Pick & Prediction 1/15/25
At 7:30 ET, the Celtics (-852) will take on the Raptors (+578) in a divisional matchup. Boston is currently favored by 13.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 230.
This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Celtics (28-11) are 2nd in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors (9-31) are 13th.
BOSTON CELTICS VS TORONTO RAPTORS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Toronto Raptors +13.5
This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena at 7:30 ET on Wednesday, January 15th.
WHY BET THE TORONTO RAPTORS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 143-139 in favor of the Raptors.
- Our projections have RJ Barrett finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
- From the field, we have the Raptors finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.2% and knocking down 13 threes.
Will the Celtics Make it Happen on the Road?
Boston improved to 28-11 on the season with a 120-119 win over the Pelicans on Sunday. The Celtics were at home and heavily favored by 15 points, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total score of 239 points went over the 230.5-point line.
After trailing 35-29 in the 1st quarter, Boston took control by winning the 2nd quarter 33-26. They edged out the Pelicans 28-27 in the 3rd quarter and went into the 4th with a 90-88 lead. New Orleans won the 4th quarter 31-30, but Boston held on for the win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 38 points and 11 rebounds in their win over the Pelicans, adding 13 points in the 1st quarter and another 10 in the 4th. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 19 points, with 9 coming in the opening period.
Boston struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29.5% of their threes, making 13 in total. Their overall field goal percentage was 43.6%.
Even with a shaky start, giving up 35 points in the 1st quarter, the Celtics tightened up defensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing 26 and 27 points, respectively. They gave up 31 points in the 4th but managed to hold on for the win, despite allowing the Pelicans to shoot 46% from the field.
Boston struggled to defend the three-point line, where New Orleans hit 17 threes on 45% shooting. The Pelicans also went 22/26 from the free-throw line. The Celtics finished with 37 defensive rebounds, allowing 6 offensive boards, and added 5 steals and 7 blocks.
Does Toronto Stand a Chance at Home?
The Raptors improved to 9-31 on the season after a 104-101 home win over the Warriors on Monday. Toronto entered the game as +5.5 underdogs and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 205, well below the O/U line of 229.5.
Toronto fell behind after a 12-0 Warriors run, but they battled back. Golden State led 78-75 going into the 4th quarter, but the Raptors outscored them 29-23 in the final period to secure the win.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points and 8 rebounds in their win over the Warriors, shooting 42.9% from the field. Chris Boucher added 18 points, hitting 3 threes at 60% efficiency, and RJ Barrett chipped in 15 points despite shooting 42.9%.
Boucher was key in the 4th quarter, scoring 17 of his 18 points. The Raptors made 12 threes, shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc, and finished with a 47.7% overall field goal percentage.
The Raptors put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Warriors to 101 points on 39% shooting. Toronto allowed 26 points in the 1st quarter, 28 in the 3rd, and 24 in the 2nd, but they tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 23 points to secure the win.
Golden State hit 16 threes at a 34% clip, and the Raptors sent them to the line 22 times, where they made 15 free throws. Toronto finished with 30 defensive rebounds, allowed 14 offensive boards, and recorded 9 blocks.