NBA Odds: Celtics Look To Slow Down Red-Hot Raptors Squad In Boston
The Boston Celtics return home from a three-game road trip Friday night looking to gain ground in the Atlantic Division standings as they play host to the Toronto Raptors.
Boston picked up a pair of wins on its recent road trip, improving to 7-3 straight up in its past 10 outings, but continues to trail Toronto by two games in the division going into Friday night’s Raptors vs. Celtics betting matchup at TD Garden.
The Celtics dominated Tuesday in a 117-87 rout of the Orlando Magic, easily covering as 1 1/2-point road chalk to pick up their second straight win against the spread following a three-game slide at the sportsbooks.
However, Boston has struggled in recent home contests, going 1-3 SU and winless ATS in its past four, including a 121-114 loss to Detroit as big 7 1/2-point favorites on Nov. 30.
The Raptors roll into town after handing the Minnesota Timberwolves a 124-110 defeat Thursday and covering as 9 1/2-point home favorites.
It was an important victory for Toronto after suffering an emotional 116-112 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that cost them a chance to take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference as two-point favorites Monday.
Despite that setback, it has been a successful start to the campaign for the Raptors, who have won seven of eight SU to improve to 15-7 SU and own an NBA-best 15-6-1 ATS record.
However, the Raptors have produced mixed results on the road of late, going 3-3 SU and 4-2 ATS in their past six games away from Air Canada Centre.
Toronto has owned the Celtics in recent meetings, winning nine of 13 SU and going 7-6 ATS, but Boston has taken two of three on home hardwood, most recently tallying a solid 91-79 win as 3 1/2-point chalk in the Raptors’ last visit back in March.
Boston hits the road following Friday night’s contest for a pair of dates with Western Conference powerhouses. The Celtics visit Oklahoma City on Sunday before moving on to San Antonio for a clash with the Spurs next Wednesday.
The Thunder currently ride a six-game SU and ATS win streak and have taken four of five from the Celtics at Chesapeake Energy Arena, where they are 9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS this season.
The Spurs have a mediocre 5-4 SU home record, going 2-7 ATS, but have won 10 straight against Boston, going 7-2-1 ATS during that stretch, according to the OddsShark NBA Database.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
