Posted on
12/7/2007 4:10:54 PM
NBA Betting Odds – Toronto Raptors (10-9) at Boston Celtics (15-2)
By Eric Williams
Okay beloved BetUS.com NBA bettors, by now, everyone knows that the Boston Celtics, and their newly formed ‘Big Three,’ have been the toast of the league with their league-leading 15-2 record and all-out, unselfish,’ style of play that begins with the team three future Hall of Famers, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
The red-hot Celtics, (11-5-1 ATS, 6-10-1 O/U), take on the Toronto Raptors at home tonight in a matchup that will likely tell a lot about both teams, particularly since the first meeting between these teams this season on Nov. 4 came down to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Ray Allen that lifted the C’s to a 98-95 victory.
The Celtics have won four consecutive games heading into this contest and are getting 60.1 points per game from their trio of Pierce, Allen and Garnett.
The Celtics have won their last three games by 10 points exactly, including Wednesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-103.
Boston is also getting solid production from its bench this season as demonstrated by the combined 32 points that veterans Eddie House and James Posey put on the Sixers Wednesday night.
The Toronto Raptors, (11-5-1 ATS, 6-10-1 O/U), have lost two of their last three games after suddenly getting bitten by the collective injury-bug.
Raptors all-star center Chris Bosh has missed the last four games with a strained groin he suffered in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 28. Bosh will miss this game along with fellow frontcourt starter Andrea Bargnani who is out with a knee injury.
Toronto has struggled to score this season, with no starter averaging 20 points per game this season and no starter other than Bosh, (18.8 ppg), averaging at least 15 points per game.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and Free NBA Gambling Picks:
Key Raptors Trends
The Raptors are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five Friday games.
The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
The Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last four after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Celtics are 9-1 ATS in their last ten when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 5-1 in Raptors last six after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 21-5 in Raptors last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 6-0-1 in Celtics last seven home games.
The Under is 4-0-1 in Celtics last five Friday games.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Boston.
The Raptors are 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings.
Analysis: Boston hasn't been beaten at home so far this season and I don’t expect them to lose this contest to the undermanned Raptors. Though the 11.5-point line may look a bit high here, I say take the Celtics to cover the spread while winning going away.
NBA Free Picks: Celtics -11.5 Points/Over 185 Total Points
07:35 PM EST NBA Odds
Toronto Raptors +11½ -110
Boston Celtics -11½ -110
Over 185 -110
Under 185 -110
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