Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics Betting Preview

The Boston Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night in what is one of the marquee NBA matchups of the week. Boston and Toronto have built up a great rivalry in recent seasons, and the Atlantic Division rivals are always ready to play in this game.

Boston comes into this game with an overall record of 12-11, but they have been struggling of late. The Celtics have now lost three of their last four games, and consistency has been an issue all season long.

The Toronto Raptors have won five of their last six games, and they are starting to turn things around after a slow start. Toronto is still just 12-13 on the season and are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division.

The Boston Celtics are 3.5-point favorites over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. 

Raptors Getting Hot From Deep

The Toronto Raptors have turned their season around because they have started to shoot the ball exceptionally well from the three-point line. Toronto knocked down 19 three-pointers in their most recent win, and Fred VanVleet has emerged as a true star.

Toronto is giving up nearly 112 points per game, and they will have to find a way to stop the stars for Boston. The Raptors want to slow this game down as they aren’t as deep as the Boston Celtics.

Pascal Siakam leads the team with 20.5 points per game, but VanVleet has chipped in with 20.4 points. The Raptors are now shooting better than 39 percent from deep, and that could keep them in this game with Boston. 

Celtics Looking For Offense

The Boston Celtics are averaging just 110.8 points per game this season, and they just continue to search for offense. Injuries and absences have played a role in the offensive struggles, but Boston is also looking for more players to step up.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both averaging more than 26 points per game, but they simply need more help on the offensive end of the floor. Kemba Walker is scoring just 15 points per game, and there isn’t a ton of scoring options off the bench.

Boston is still a solid defensive team, allowing less than 110 points per game. If the Celtics are able to find some offense, then they should be good enough to stop a red-hot Raptors team.

Boston Beats Division Rival

Both the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics have struggled a bit to begin the season, but both teams should be in the hunt come playoff time. Adversity has affected each team, but there are still plenty of stars available.

Toronto has been the better team of late, but playing in Boston is a real disadvantage against the Celtics. The Raptors will give the Celtics a battle, but it will be Boston that is able to take control of this game in the fourth quarter.

Boston needs a huge victory to give the team some confidence, and they will get one in this game. Bet the Boston Celtics -3.5 over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

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