The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are set to square off in Orlando on Friday for a critical Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are trying to improve their playoff seeding, and these two teams have built up a nice rivalry over the last few years.
Boston has gone 2-2 so far during the restart, and they currently sit in second place in the Atlantic Division. Toronto is a perfect 3-0 in Orlando, and they sit on top of the Atlantic Division with a 4.5 game lead over the Celtics.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Toronto Raptors as 3-point favorites over the Boston Celtics in the showdown on Friday.
Raptors Perfect in Orlando
The Toronto Raptors have been overlooked and counted out all season long, and they came to Orlando on a mission. Toronto is a perfect 3-0 so far during the restart, and they have now won seven total games in a row.
Toronto has been the best defensive team in the NBA all season long and continue their dominance on that side of the floor in Orlando. The Raptors allow just 106.1 points per game this season but are giving up less than 100 points per game in the bubble.
Fred VanVleet had 21 points and ten assists in the Raptor’s most recent win, and it just speaks to the depth and talent on this team. The Raptors are scoring just 112.7 points per game, but they can find enough offense when necessary.
Pascal Siakam is leading the way for the Raptors with 23.3 points per game, and he has emerged as one of the top talents in the NBA. This Raptors team might not have Kawhi Leonard on the roster, but this is still a championship team.
Celtics Need Consistent Offense
The Boston Celtics can be a terrific offensive team, but they also struggle to put points on the board at times. Boston is averaging 113.6 points per game this season while holding opponents to just 107.5 points per night.
Boston put up 149 points in their most recent win over the Brooklyn Nets, and they did all of that damage without Kemba Walker. Walker is listed as day-to-day, and he could be back in the lineup on Friday.
Jayson Tatum continues to improve for the Celtics, and he has played well at times in Orlando. Tatum leads the team with 23.3 points per game this season, and Boston will need their young star to come up big against the Raptors.
Toronto Stays Hot; Beats Boston
The Toronto Raptors are a perfect 3-0 so far in Orlando, and they have picked up wins over three very solid teams. Toronto has been getting the job done on defense during the restart, and that trend should continue in this game.
Even though the Raptors are the defending NBA champions, they continue to be overlooked. Toronto is a true title contender again this season, and they have proven that since the season resumed.
Boston has been extremely inconsistent since restarting their season, and it’s hard to know what to expect from this team. Playing without Kemba Walker will make this a tougher challenge for the Celtics, but Boston is hopeful he can get back on the floor.
The Celtics have enough talent to win this game, but the Raptors are simply playing too well. Look for Toronto to come away with their fourth straight win in Orlando in this one.
Head to FanDuel Sportsbook and bet the Toronto Raptors -3.0 over the Boston Celtics in this Eastern Conference showdown.
