At this point, it’s fair to say the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Outside of the Cavaliers, Knicks and (maybe) the Magic, this is an uncertain postseason picture.
Few teams have more questions than the Celtics, who will be without superstar Jayson Tatum (achilles). Several lesser-known names will need to step up for Boston this season. Tonight’s final preseason game could hint at head coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotations. On the other side, the Raptors are hoping to reach the postseason for the first time since 2022. This is an inexperienced, but extremely talented, Toronto roster. However, team chemistry will be something to monitor.
Which of these Atlantic Division rivals has an edge tonight? Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics contest.
The Celtics are 5.5-point favorites (-108) on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total for this matchup is set at 231.5 points.
Raptors vs. Celtics prediction, preview
Both of these teams have looked sharp this month, losing only one preseason game. Boston trotted out a conventional starting five during their last outing, a 138-107 win over Cleveland. Leading the team this year will be Jaylen Brown; the four-time All-Star is poised for a career year with Tatum out. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 46.3/32.4/76.5 shooting splits.
The challenge for JB will be getting his teammates involved. Outside of Derrick White and Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, this is a relatively unproven Celtics squad. One name that has impressed recently is offseason pickup Anfernee Simons. Through two preseason games, the former Trail Blazer is averaging 19.5 points on 48.0% shooting (50.0% 3PT).
Containing this three-pointer-heavy Celtics offense will be the challenge for Toronto tonight. Fortunately for the Raptors, they allowed the fourth-lowest percentage from beyond the arc last season (34.9%). This is a team that rosters several young, promising defenders. That includes Jamal Shead, Ochai Agbaji and first-round pick Colin Murray-Boyles. All of those names could develop into stellar rotation pieces in the near future.
Ultimately, Toronto’s chances at competing this year will be determined by its core. Face of the franchise Scottie Barnes is back for another season. Last year, he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while playing terrific defense. If healthy, the do-it-all wing is set for another strong campaign. He’s joined by midseason trade acquisition Brandon Ingram. The former Pelicans star gives the Raps much-needed scoring (albeit little else). Much like Barnes, he has some health concerns. Other key contributors include R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick. The latter of the trio has played in all four of Toronto’s preseason games.
Raptors vs. Celtics pick, best bet
It’s the final game of the preseason, which means the intensity might get ramped up ever-so slightly. However, both coaches may opt to keep their best players on a very strict minutes limit. When these two clubs met on October 10th, it resulted in a 107-105 Raptors win. Another slugfest could be in store on Wednesday night.
