Silver linings are in short supply for the Toronto Raptors these days after 10 straight losses, and a visit to the Boston Celtics this afternoon is no one’s idea of a remedy.
But Boston is 5-5 in its last 10 contests and both teams are dealing with injury question marks, so my Raptors vs Celtics predictions focus on the rebounding battle, where Toronto is well placed to compete.
These Atlantic Division rivals are heading in opposite directions but they’ll be keen to end 2024 on a high note, and I’m digging into the best NBA picks for this Tuesday, December 31 clash.
Raptors vs Celtics prediction
My Raptors pick
Jakob Poeltl Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-120 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
If there’s one Toronto Raptors player likely to draw trade buzz before the deadline, it’s Jakob Poeltl, who’s been a reliable force on both ends of the floor this season.
Returning from a groin injury, Poeltl wasn’t able to stop the bleeding for Toronto’s porous defense in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but I’m expecting a better stat line today, especially given his 35-point, 12-rebound effort in his last game against the Boston Celtics in mid-November.
Whic is why I’m taking the Over on his rebounds + assists combo prop here. His rebounding numbers have cooled off a little lately, but he still ranks eighth in the NBA with 10.9 rpg and his path to double-digit boards gets easier this afternoon if Kristaps Porzingis is ruled out.
He’s also well-placed for a solid assists tally. Toronto arrives in Beantown without R.J. Barrett, while Gradey Dick is questionable with a hamstring issue, so Poeltl will have a role to play as a connector and decision-maker offensively.
The Raptors big man has finished with three or more dimes in five of his seven outings in December, and he’s very capable of bailing out rough possessions with passes from the elbow.
Poeltl was eased back into action at the weekend, but he should be in line for a bigger minutes load at TD Garden, and his basketball IQ will be critical as the visitors try to corral a Celtics offense that scored 142 points against the Indiana Pacers last week.
Toronto isn’t likely to snap its dismal losing streak here, but this Over feels like good value.
Raptors vs Celtics same-game parlay
Jakob Poeltl Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 rebounds
Under 233.5
Continuing the rebounding theme, I’m also taking the Over for Jayson Tatum on the boards. He’s among the league’s best wing rebounders and his numbers have spiked in December.
Tatum is averaging 11.6 rpg this month, and 13 rpg in his last four contests, so he’s well set to get to at least 10 boards again as long as this matchup doesn’t descend into a total blowout.
With Porzingis questionable with an ankle injury, Boston will need Tatum to help Al Horford against a Raptors team that likes to crash the glass.
There’s a very real possibility that both head coaches will be sending out rejigged starting line-ups — and reshuffled rotations — so the Under feels like a safer play this afternoon. It’s 6-3-1 in the teams’ past 10 meetings, and Toronto’s injuries should lead to Darko Rajakovic putting more defense-first groups on the floor.
We could also get some uninspiring garbage time if the contest becomes as one-sided as the spread suggests.
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 +17 | Boston -17
- Moneyline: Toronto +951 | Boston -1576
- Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread has ballooned to 16.5 but I’m staying away, even though Toronto is 19-12-1 ATS this year.
- The Raptors are a miserable 1-14 on the road and 7-25 overall, but I’m reluctant to lay the points given the Celtics’ 12-20 ATS mark this season.
- Boston has won the last nine meetings between these teams, covering the spread in six of those contests, but the hosts have dropped three of their last four games at TD Garden.
- The Celtics have served up three straight Overs, but the Under is 6-4 in their past 10 outings.
Raptors vs Celtics trend
With so many games already settled, the Celtics have only hit the 4Q Moneyline in 26 of their last 68 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Celtics.
How to watch Raptors vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Tuesday, 12-31-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Raptors vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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