When the pairings were set in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it looked to be a foregone conclusion that the division rival Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors would be squaring off in the Eastern Conference semifinals. And wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly what went down after both teams busted the brooms out on the 76ers and Nets respectively. With that, NBA bettors will be treated to arguably the best matchup of the playoffs thus far with both teams very familiar with one another after locking horns three times in the regular season and once in the bubble. Adding even more intrigue to the matchup is the fact that both sides could be down integral pieces to the puzzle with Gordon Hayward likely out for the series and the Raptors still awaiting word on just how bad Kyle Lowry’s ankle injury is. Buckle up folks; this is going to be a wild ride that possibly goes the distance!
This series will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. Game 1 tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2020 and go to Tuesday, September 8 should a seventh game be required to crown the victor. All games will be aired live on TNT and the ESPN family of networks. You can bet on NBA Odds at BookMaker.eu the remainder of the playoffs.
NBA Series Prices
Boston Celtics +142
Toronto Raptors -158
Celtics vs Raptors Series Schedule
Game 1: Thur, Aug 27 Boston at Toronto, 6:30 ET, ESPN
Game 2: Sat, Aug 29 Boston at Toronto, TBD, TBD
Game 3: Mon, Aug 31 Toronto at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 4: Wed, Sept 2 Toronto at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 5*: Fri, Sept 4 Boston at Toronto, TBD, TBD
Game 6*: Sun, Sept 6 Toronto at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 7*: Tue, Sept 8 Boston at Toronto, TBD, TBD
Futures Odds Analysis
The Dinos opened up as short 1.5-point neutral court favorites to come out on top of Game 1 with the total lined at 217. These teams crossed paths four times this season, and only one of the matchups proved to be competitive with Boston logging the 112-106 win and cover as 2.5-point home chalk back on October 25. The other three saw the victor win by an average of 18 points per game with the O/U playing out to a 1-1-1 record. In terms of the NBA title futures odds, Toronto offers up a +850 return should it win back to back titles, while the Celtics would pay out at 12-1 should it win the title for the first time since the Paul Pierce, KG and Ray Allen days (2008).
Head-To-Head Results
Boston stands 3-1 SU and ATS in the four played meetings, but it’s the most recent that will likely have those looking to wager on this series believing the Celtics are the better overall team. The C’s woodshedded the Raptors 122-100 as 1.5-point underdogs in the division rival’s lone bubble encounter back on August 7. Boston shot a blistering 49 percent from the field and had seven players log double-digits led by Jaylen Brown’s 20 overall points. It drained 16-of-46 from long range and even won the battle of the boards 52-48 behind Daniel Theis’ game-high 11 rebounds. Where was the Raptors top ranked defense in that one? Were they dogging it just to see what Boston was going to do in case they met up down the road? Were about to find out!
Celtics Player to Watch
Jayson Tatum: The former Duke Blue Devil has without a doubt been Boston’s MVP since the season picked back up at the beginning of August. He averaged 25.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the six seeding matchups he partook in, and then followed it up with 27.0 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game in the four played first round games against the Sixers. Though plagued by foul trouble in Game 3, he still played to a +9 in his 32+ minutes on the court and played a crucial role down the stretch of the comeback win. Toronto will undoubtedly game plan to take him out of this series, but in doing so, it will open things up for Brown, Kemba Walker and others to take advantage.
Raptors Player to Watch
Kyle Lowry: It’s still unknown as to how badly Lowry sprained his ankle in Game 4 against the Nets. What we do know is that he was forced to leave the game and he looked to be in a good amount of pain. Toronto did a good job without his services this season in going 12-2 in the 14 games he missed, but his absence on this stage would be a mighty blow to a Raptors team that prides itself on converting at a high rate from the field and then buckling down at the other end of the court to aggravate their opponent even more. Should he be forced to miss or not play at 100 percent, the Dinos would certainly miss the 19.4 points and 7.5 assists he averaged per game. The Raptors own the better overall depth in this series, but they don’t have someone that can replace those outputs.
NBA Playoffs Odds Pick
I’m really interested to see how the Raptors deal with the pressure of being the hunted and not the hunter now that we’ve entered the nitty gritty of the NBA playoffs. This team had an alpha to bank on throughout last season’s title run in the form of Kawhi Leonard. That’s no longer the case. Tatum just might be coming into his own as the next big thing in the league, but is he ready to play the alpha role and lead his team to the next round? As much as I respect Nick Nurse and his ability to outcoach most opposition, Brad Stevens is no slouch himself. The kids got coaching chops and has proven as such by taking six of the last 10 meetings with the Dinos. I’m drawing a line in the sand! Boston has really impressed me throughout its stay in Orlando. It’s got the makeup at both ends of the floor to give this Raptors team fits throughout this series, and I foresee them doing just that en route to taking it in six.
Prediction: Celtics in 6
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