The Toronto Raptors are in a tough spot on Saturday night. The NBA odds have them as big underdogs as they’ll travel on the road to take on the defending champion Boston Celtics, on the second half of a back-to-back, no less.
But there is one Raptors player we can back in these Raptors vs. Celtics predictions because we know he’ll always show up. That’s, of course, Jakob Poltl.
Check out my NBA picks for the Raps’ big man for this Atlantic Division matchup.
Raptors vs Celtics prediction
My Raptors pick
Jakob Poltl 15+ Points (+140 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
While the expectations weren’t high for the Toronto Raptors heading into the season, they would like to have back last night’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Raptors led the Pistons by three heading into the fourth quarter but just couldn’t get the key buckets they needed down the stretch they needed and ended up losing 99-95 as 2.5-point home underdogs.
It was the Raptors’ sixth loss in a row, dropping their record to 2-11 on the season. And their reward for losing a hard-fought game? Traveling on the road immediately to take on the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics in the second half of a back-to-back.
Not surprisingly, the Raptors are massive 16.5-point road dogs for this one. But if you’re looking for a Raps’ bright spot in this one, look no further than big man Jakob Poltl.
The Raptors’ starting center has become an integral part of this young offense (which is probably also a little damning in regards to the situation of this team). Poltl enters this game averaging 14.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 56.4% from the floor.
But he’s also seen an uptick in his production recently. He’s bumped those scoring numbers up 15.9 points on 12.6 field goal attempts over his last 10 games, which includes going off for 252 points on 12-20 shooting in last night’s loss to the Pistons.
And while the Celtics are a great team, defending the interior is one of their weaknesses. Boston enters this game ranked 22nd in opponent points in the paint per game and 23rd in points allowed to opposing centers per game.
Poltl’s points prop is sitting at 12.5 for this matchup, but I’m looking at his alt-point total of 15+. That’s on the board at solid plus money and something he has accomplished six times this season. Give me a Jak attack on Saturday night.
Raptors vs Celtics same-game parlay
Jakob Poltl 15+ Points
Jakob Poltl 10+ Rebounds
Ochai Agbaji 10+ Points
I noted the Celtics have their issues on the inside, so it should come as no surprise that they also rank 18th in rebounding rate and 13th in opponent rebounds allowed per game.
Jakob Poltl is averaging 11.6 rebounds per game and has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in eight of his last 10 games. Add 10+ rebounds for Jak to this same-game parlay.
While the Raptors have struggled as a team on offense lately, there is someone other than Jakob Poltl who has tried to pick up the slack, and that is Ochai Agbaji.
Agbaji is averaging 14 points per game on 53.2% shooting, including 45.3% on 4.4 attempted threes per game over his last 12 games. He’s hit double digits in nine of those. The Celtics could cruise in this one and take their foot off the gas, particularly on defense, allowing Agbaji an easier path to buckets. Give me 10+ points for him to round out this SGP.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Celtics odds
Raptors vs Celtics live odds
Raptors vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +16.5 | Boston -16.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +1,000 | Boston -2,000
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Atlantic Division matchup as massive 16.5-point underdogs and there even some 17s starting to pop up on the board.
- The Raptors' hot ATS run to start the year has cooled off, as they are now 1-4 ATS over the last five games. That said, the Celtics have been hit-or-miss as big favorites this season, going 4-4 ATS when laying 10 points or more.
- The total hit the board at 228.5 and has crept up a point to 229.5 as of Saturday afternoon.
- Like the ATS run, the Overs for the Raptors have also come to a crashing halt. That's because shots have stopped dropping. Toronto ranks 29th in FG% and 30th in scoring over the last five games, while Boston enters this game ranked sixth in defensive rating.
Raptors vs Celtics trend
The Raptors have cashed the Under in five straight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Celtics.
How to watch Raptors vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Saturday, 11-16-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN |
Raptors vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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