Celtics – Raptors

Boston Celtics will be on a mission to prove they are indeed the second best team in the Eastern Conference when they hosts rivals Toronto Raptors as a 6 point spread favorite, and circumstances definitely seem to be in their favor.

Boston (30-18, 16-8 home) is playing some great basketball lately under the leadership of their All Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, who averaged 32.9 points per game during January. The Celtics have won 4 games in a row and leapfrogged Toronto for the second place in the Eastern Conference by a half game. The team will still be without Avery Bradley, but Boston is learning to play without their starting SG.

Toronto (30-19, 13-10 away) is not doing well right now, losing 6 of the last 8 games and losing the second place in the East to Boston. Much of Toronto’s struggles had to do with the health issues of DeMar DeRozan, who is expected to miss for the 5th time in 6 games tonight at the Garden. Missing DeRozan is a huge blow for a team that is highly reliant on its two stars, him and Lowry, to create offense. On the road, Toronto lost 5 of the last 6 games, only beating the lowly Nets two weeks ago.

Toronto is on the second night of a back to back and they had to play overtime last night in their tight win against the Pelicans. With DeRozan most likely out, the circumstances are definitely not good for the Raptors coming into this big clash with Boston.

Toronto beat Boston twice this season and personally I still believe they are the second best team in the Eastern Conference. However, a win or even a competitive loss seem highly unlikely today given that everything seems to be in Boston’s favor.

The two teams are going in opposite directions right now, with Boston in great form and Toronto struggling. The C’s play at home, while Toronto is on the second night on the back to back and will probably miss DeMar DeRozan – who was a massive factor in Toronto’s two wins over Boston this season.

As long as it won`t be one of those games which defies logic, the Celtics should win this by 10+ points. My tip is Boston to cover the 6 point handicap, which seems low to me and which I expect to increase. Prediction: Boston Celtics – Toronto Raptors 114 – 102.

Pick: Celtics -6
Odds: 1.96 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.68
Event date: 1 February