When asked if there was something that needed to be changed following Game 4’s 100-93 defeat to the Toronto Raptors, Brad Stevens had this to say; “I think the biggest thing is that we’ve got to defend better at the start of the first and third quarters,” Stevens said, via the team. “That’s something that we’re paying close attention to, for sure.” After holding the Dinos to 11 first quarter points, it’s pretty safe to say the Boston Celtics earned the achievement with flying colors. In taking a 3-2 series lead by way of logging the wire-to-wire 111-89 win and cover, online sportsbooks have the Celtics installed -374 chalk to win the series with the comeback on the Raptors coming in at +312. Boston hit the board as 2.5-point favorites to close the series out with the total lined at 210; the lowest impost of the series with each of the previous five games comfortably cashing under tickets.
This game will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN. You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu the remainder of the playoffs.
NBA Playoff Odds at BookMaker.eu
Boston Celtics -2.5
Toronto Raptors +2.5
Over/Under 210
Head-To-Head Results
Boston has dominated the season rivalry against its division counterparts logging wins in six of the nine overall confrontations while coming out the pointspread victor eight times. Monday night’s 22-point beat down saw the Celtics cruise to the win and cover as short 1.5-point favorites. Jayson Tatum and company have now been deemed favorites by the linemakers in each of the last three skirmishes after oddsmakers tabbed them short underdogs in the first two matchups. The O/U has also inched lower with every passing meeting. Game 1 and 2 closed at 217.5 and 218.5 respectively, but the three games since have gone off the board at 217, 215.5 and 212.5. The teams have combined for just over 201 points per game on average throughout this series to move the under to 6-2-1 in their nine overall meetings dating back to the regular season.
Game 5 Recap
It was all about a fast start defensively for the Celtics who turned the game into a laugher after taking a 14 point lead into the second quarter. Then they outscored the Raptors 37-24 in the second quarter to take a commanding 27 point lead into the break. Toronto outscored them 54-49 in the second half, but it wasn’t nearly enough to get back in the game. Boston shot a scorching 49 percent from the field, drained 11-of-34 attempts from beyond the arc and converted 89 percent of its free throws. Toronto was a hot mess in Game 5; the offense converted at a 39 percent clip and struggled immensely from long range (30%). Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam combined for just 20 points and played to -25 and -23 in the +/- department. Toronto is simply unable to win games when its best players stink the joint up like that.
Player to Watch
Marcus Smart: Lowry went for 53 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists combined in the Raptors wins in Game 3 and 4. His final stat line after Monday night’s massacre read 10 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds. Smart was in his pocket all game long holding him to a 3-for-8 showing from the floor and also forced a trio of turnovers. “We have a great deal of respect for Lowry,” said Stevens. He’s going to draw attention from a lot of our guys. A lot of guys guard him at different times of the game. Marcus guarded him a little bit more, and we just have to guard him, like Siakam, as hard as we can.” In the three games Toronto has lost, Lowry averaged less than 20 points per game. In the two triumphs, he went for 31 and 22 respectively. You can bet your bottom dollar Boston makes it a point to once again be in his back pocket all game long come Wednesday night. Should they do just that, you can all but kiss the defending champs goodbye!
NBA Odds Pick
I called for the Celtics to win this series in six games and I’m sticking to that prognostication. Even in their two wins, Toronto lost the battle of the boards. The Raptors upper echelon defense has also had major issues preventing Kemba Walker and company from shooting for a high clip from the field throughout the series’ entirety. For all intents and purposes, this series should already be over. It took a miracle OG Anunoby three ball to earn the Dinos the win back in Game 3. While it’s possible Toronto circles the wagons and puts forth an effort reminiscent of Game 4, I’ll be betting against it occurring. Boston just looks to be a cut above and I have all the faith in the world in Stevens finding a way to close this puppy out on Hump Day night.
Prediction: Celtics 105, Raptors 95
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