Raptors vs Celtics Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Saturday, 11/16
The Toronto Raptors are playing in their second of back-to-back games in this match of the worst and reigning first. The Raptors have the worst record in the Association, and the Boston Celtics are the defending champions. This has easy victory written all over it and with good reason too.
The Sportsbooks have this as a 16.5 spread in favor of Boston, but there are straight bets discussed later.
Toronto Raptors: Ghost of a Chance
The Raptors are cruising straight to a lottery pick, and it doesn't seem there will be much restraint in getting there. They have a six game losing streak going, and they are one of two teams with double-digit losses this season.
Until Scottie Barnes returns there isn’t much hope for a lineup void of an all-star. The Raptors are in rebuild mode but they didn’t have to get in everyone’s face about it. The spread is in play tonight but who knows what will happen with Tornoto playing their second game in two days.
Boston Celtics: Don’t Look Back
The Boston Celtics are cruising to another season as one of the NBA’s best teams. They are one of four teams with double-digit wins, and they will very likely be one of the four teams remaining at the end of the season.
Tonight should be a chance to build confidence and work on in-game rhythm for Boston. They should win this game with ease, and get a chance to move half a game closer to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who remain undefeated this season.
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup
- G - Davion Mitchell
- G - Gradey Dick
- F - Ohchai Agbaji
- F - RJ Barrett
- C - Jakob Poeltl
- OUT - Ja’Kobe Walter, Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes
Boston Celtics Starting Lineup
- G - Jrue Holiday (Day to Day)
- G - Derek White
- F - Jaylon Brown
- F - Jayson Tatum
- C - Al Horford
- OUT - Kristaps Porzingis, Jaden Springer
Raptors vs Celtics Predictions & Picks Today: Saturday 11/16
Same Game Parlay: BOS -9.5 & Total > 225 (+118 on Draftkings Sportsbook)
The Boston Celtics should cover this teased down spread with ease. 7 full points have been shaved off the spread to make it 10 or more points needed for a victory. That is still a major spread to cover, but the Celtics have a much better and healthier roster than the Raptors.
The total has just been teased down slightly, but the truth is the line at 227.5 is perfectly acceptable. The Celtics average 121.3 points per game this season, and the Raptors average 111.4. Combined that equals 232.7 points per game and the line is set two and a half points lower. The teased down spread is just to cover a late blunder or possible back-to-back dribble outs to end the game.
Positive odds on a teased down parlay is a smart bet, and one that should return a good investment. Put a unit on the Celtics to do what they do best, win with lots of points.