Celtics Look To Stay Smart, Travel to Face Raptors
Boston has been on fire. There is little that the Celtics haven’t been able to accomplish. Whoever is in front of them, they seem to take down. Robert Williams III’s return has only made them better.
As for Toronto, their last loss in Minnesota dropped them to 20-26. What will it take for the Raptors to fix the situation? Might this be one of the last games with their current core still here and intact?
This will be a fun game to watch and record, regardless. Toronto still plays hard. But most NBA lines favor the Celtics.
Let’s check the latest NBA news, stats, injury report and NBA lines for Celtics vs Raptors. We’ve got plenty of NBA picks for you to consider.
Healthy Celtics Look To Keep Historic Stretch Alive
The Celtics have not had a cold spell for the entire season. They come into the weekend with an impressive 34-12 record under first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla. They have had their starting center healthy for 12 games. They don’t have their key offseason FA signing healthy and won’t again this season. And yet, here they are.
The team is at full strength aside from Danilo Gallinari, and thankfully, have Friday to rest up after a showdown on Thursday with the Warriors left them gassed. They almost coughed up a 7-point lead with 38 seconds left in OT, thanks to a pair of Marcus Smart turnovers. But they could overcome it and play enough defense to hold on for a victory in an exciting NBA Finals rematch.
The team should have several All-Stars, and they have a lot to be proud of. Between the strong play of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown or that of the other starters, there is nothing lacking. Look for Malcolm Brogdon to keep contributing positively off the bench. The NBA betting preview has them favored.
Raptors Refuse to Stop Clawing, Despite Struggles
When they signed Otto Porter Jr. in the offseason, Toronto hoped it would get the version of the veteran that the Dubs had last season. But, he made it eight games, and won’t return after having foot surgery. Nick Nurse is still riding his starters hard, which isn’t leading the team to win. Bringing Gary Trent off the bench didn’t help, and he has been no better as a starter.
They have solid veterans on their bench like Thad Young and Chris Boucher, but the minutes are never there. Precious Achiuwa is the only non-starter that is playing consistent minutes. With all of the starters averaging over 32 minutes and the losses still piling up, it’s clear that it isn’t working. Pascal Siakam has averaged 25-8-6 and should be an All-Star, but there is little else to be happy about.
Fred VanVleet is a free agent this summer. OG Anunoby may be dealt. What does the future hold here? The NBA lines would tell you they look rather bleak.
Celtics vs Raptors Game Injuries
Celtics vs Raptors Head-to-Head
Saturday’s clash will mark the second of four meetings between the Raptors and Celtics during the 2022-23 season. Boston won here in Canada 116-110 back on December 5.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the C’s with 31 points and 12 rebounds, While Jaylen Brown impressed with a 22-8-8 line. Pascal Siakam’s 29 points and seven assists helped to pace the Raptors. Trent Jr. was still in a bench role at the time and contributed 20 points off the pine.
The teams will meet two more times after Saturday
Celtics vs Raptors Game Information
- Game: Celtics (34-12) vs Raptors (20-26)
- Location: Scotiabank Arena
- Day/Time: Saturday, Jan 21 at 5:00 PM ET
- Celtics vs Raptors Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Celtics vs Raptors Betting Lines
Celtics vs Raptors Picks & Prediction
The Celtics come in hot and have handled their business throughout the year. With 12 losses in 44 games, they proved they are the clear elites in the Eastern Conference. Toronto hasn’t shown any signs of life in recent weeks.
One team won an OT game on Thursday night, while the other committed a foul inside 10 seconds left to lose on free throws.
Boston -5.5 is the safe bet to make. They’re set to win their 35th game of the year. They should have no issues covering the north of the border.
Celtics vs Raptors Trends
Celtics vs Raptors Edge
Celtics vs Raptors Results
Celtics vs Raptors Game Summary
Celtics vs Raptors Previous Game (Dec. 05 2022)
The Boston Celtics hold the NBA’s top record at 19-5, as they hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors (12-11) on Monday night. The Raptors are chasing their second consecutive win after defeating the Orlando Magic 121-108.
Boston has been the NBA’s hottest team, going 6-1 against the spread (ATS) over the last seven games. Meanwhile, Toronto is 3-2 ATS in the last five, but it has covered three straight at home.
