The Boston Celtics (16-11) and Toronto Raptors (17-11) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game will broadcast live on NBCS-BOS.
The Celtics are 1.5-point favorites over the Raptors on the spread (Celtics -1.5), with the over/under set at 224.5 total points. Boston is a -120 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Toronto is +100 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, December 20.
My Celtics vs Raptors Prediction
- Celtics vs Raptors pick: Under 224.5 (-110)
My Raptors vs Celtics best bet is on the under, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs Raptors Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | -120 |
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | +100 |
Celtics vs Raptors NBA Preview
The last three times these teams met, the total score was 224 points or lower, which makes the under a nice option for today's contest.
While the Celtics and Raptors have excellent records, both owe more to their defenses than to their offenses.
Boston ranks second in points allowed per game with 111.0, while Toronto is sixth with 112.9, which bodes well for a low-scoring game today.
After all, their offenses rank 17th (Celtics, 116.6 PPG) and 19th (Raptors, 115.9 PPG) in the NBA this season.
This aligns with our Bet Labs recommendation for this game, using the "Home Dictate Unders" system.
Celtics vs Raptors Prediction, Betting Analysis
This system identifies NBA regular-season games where a fast-paced home team faces a slower-paced visitor, creating value on the Under.
When tempo clashes occur, the home team’s rhythm and environment typically dictate the flow, often slowing the overall scoring despite expectations of pace inflation.
Oddsmakers tend to overestimate total points in these situations, pricing based on season averages rather than matchup control.
Modest spreads signal competitive games where both teams play more deliberate half-court possessions and defensive intensity increases late.
The result is a pattern where the home team’s comfort, control, and situational awareness lead to fewer possessions and lower final totals than projected, especially when public perception leans toward offensive fireworks.
Pick: Under 224.5 (-110, bet365)
