This evening the Toronto Raptors play game the 2nd game of a 7 game home stand as they host the Boston Celtics.
(22-20) Boston Celtics @ (26-15) Toronto Raptors
Probable starting line-ups:
Boston – PG – Isaiah Thomas SG – Avery Bradley C – Jared Sullinger SF – Jae Crowder PF – Amir Johnson
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – DeMar DeRozan C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – James Johnson PF – Luis Scola
Stats Leaders:
Boston – PPG – Isaiah Thomas 21.8 RPG – Jared Sullinger 8.8 APG – Isaiah Thomas 6.6
Toronto – PPG – DeMar DeRozan 22.8 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 9.0 APG – Kyle Lowry 6.4
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
Boston – PF – 103.6 (7th) PA – 100.4 (13th)
Toronto – PF – 100.6 (19th) PA – 96.9 (4th)
Overview:
The Boston Celtics had their 3 game winning halted as they were downed 118-113 in overtime at the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Starting point guard Isaiah Thomas poured in 20 points. He also had 7 assists and 4 rebounds. He shot 8 of 19 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Backup point guard Marcus Smart came off the bench to tally 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He was 8 of 13 from the field, 2 of 4 from the free throw line, and 2 of 4 from the 3 point line. Starting shooting guard Avery Bradley netted 19 points. He also had 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He was 6 of 16 from the field, 3 of 4 from the free throw line, and 4 of 8 from the 3 point line. Backup center Kelly Olynyk produced 17 points and 5 rebounds. He shot 6 of 11 from the field and 5 of 6 from the 3 point line. Starting center Jared Sullinger notched a double-double as he scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He also had 2 steals. He was 3 of 12 from the field and 6 of 7 from the free throw line. The team shot 42.6% from the field, 80.8% from the free throw line, and 40% from the 3 point line. They attempted 30 shot beyond the arc and only made 12 of them. They were narrowly out-rebounded 51-49. They had 24 assists in the game. They had 9 steals. They forced the Mavericks in to 14 turnovers. They scored 31 fast break points and 48 points in the paint. Their best quarter was the 3rd as they outscored the Mavs 33-18 while their worst quarter was the 1st when they were outscored 29-16. Tonight is their 22nd road game of the season. They are 11-10 on the road thus far. They are 5-4 versus Atlantic division opponents this season. Including tonight they play 3 of their next 4 games on the road. Their next game is Friday at home versus the Chicago Bulls.
The Toronto Raptors are on a 5 game winning streak after a 112-100 win at home versus the Brooklyn Nets on Monday evening. Starting point guard Kyle Lowry led the way with 31 points, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds. He shot 10 of 13 from the field, 4 of 6 from the free throw line, and 7 of 9 from the 3 point line. Starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan netted 30 points. He also had 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He was 12 of 25 from the field and 6 of 8 from the free throw line. Backup power forward Patrick Patterson came off the bench to score 12 points. He also had 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He was 5 of 10 from the field and 2 of 6 from the 3 point line. Backup small forward Terrence Ross tallied 12 points. He shot 5 of 5 from the field and 2 of 2 from the 3 point line. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas had 6 points and 12 rebounds. He also had 2 assists. He was 3 of 11 from the field. The team shot 50.6% from the field, 72.2% from the free throw line, and 54.2% from the 3 point line. They made 13 of their 24 attempted 3-point shots. They were out-rebounded 40-36. They had 8 steals in the game. They only had 7 turnovers. They scored 13 fast break points and 42 points in the paint. They outscored the Nets 31-16 in the 4th quarter. Tonight is their 19th home game of the season. They are 12-6 at home thus far. They are 6-1 versus Atlantic division opponents this season. Tonight is the 2nd game of a 7 game home stand. Their next game is Friday at home versus the Miami Heat.
In their first meeting this season Toronto grabbed a 113-103 victory at Boston. After tonight the Celtics and Raptors play 2 more times this season: March 18th at Toronto and March 23rd at Boston.
Prediction:
I think this will be a good match-up with Isaiah Thomas going up against Kyle Lowry. I like the Raptors at home.
Take the Raptors -3 (1.90) (Bet365)
Tagged With : Toronto Raptors betting
