NBA Basketball
2012-04-13 - Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 13 April 2012 - Tip Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Boston Celtics (34-24) have gained a 3 game lead in the Atlantic Division thanks to a very strong run since the All-Star break and they are now looking even higher as the Number 3 seed in the Eastern Conference is in their sights. If they have real ambitions of finishing above the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics cannot afford to drop a game as they visit the Toronto Raptors (20-39).
Boston have really found their groove at just the right time of the season and look a real threat in the Eastern Conference, even if it is still tough to imagine them knocking off the Miami Heat AND the Chicago Bulls in a best of 7 series. They have found energy through Avery Bradley, while the Big Three are offering all their experience.
However, the biggest story at the moment is Rajon Rondo who many claim is playing the best basketball of his career. He reached double-digits in the assist column for the 19th time in a row as the Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks in their last game and this is the longest run in over 20 years.
There was plenty of big performances recently from the likes of Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass and the Celtics have looked deeper in their rotation than at any point this season. They will also feel they can continue their hot form against the potentially short handed Raptors.
Toronto were blown out by Philadelphia in their last game and they look set to miss Andrea Bargnani again, while Jose Calderon was beaten up a little bit in that loss to the 76ers. Linas Kleiza also looks set to miss the game for Toronto who have dropped 4 games on the bounce.
Head to Head
Boston lead the season series 2-1, both straight up and against the spread, but they were blown out in their only game in Canada this season.
The Raptors held the Celtics to 74 points and won by 12 in that game that took place in early February.
However, that means the Raptors only improved to 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 home games against Boston.
Toronto are 15-14-1 against the spread at home this season, Boston are 13-15 on the road.
Toronto are 26-20-1 against the spread as the underdog, Boston are 16-18 as the favourite.
Other Interesting Trends
Toronto are 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Boston are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games against a team with a losing record.
Prediction
I am going to back the Boston Celtics to record another important win for themselves and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, Boston have usually performed very well in Toronto in recent games in the series and they will be motivated having lost the last time they played here.
Second, the Celtics have been very good against Divisional opponents this season, going 7-4 against the spread.
Third, Boston have put in a big effort when they are scheduled to play the first of back to back nights. They are 6-1-1 against the spread in their last 8 games in this spot.
The Pick :
Toronto Raptors 87-97 Boston Celtics
