– 10/25/2019 FREE PICK & NBA BETTING PREDICTION

Friday, October 25 finds Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division rivals the Toronto Raptors and. Boston Celtics facing each other in their second match of the 2019-20 season. It’s the home opener for the Celtics

Last season, the squads played four times each winning their home matches. The Celtics hold the all-time record having bested the Raptors in 54 of their 93 matches.

Toronto Raptors

Ring night turned out to be an emotional evening for the Toronto Raptors who cited that emotion as a reason for early struggles. Fortunately, championship mettle kicked in late allowing Toronto to win in overtime.

Pascal Siakam answered critics who questioned the Raptors offering a max contract extension. He registered 34 points and 18 rebounds. Additionally, Siakam dished out five assists which is in keeping with Nick Nurse’s strategy to have him handle the ball more.

Despite stepping on a camera man’s foot Fred VanVleet hit some clutch shots down the stretch scoring a career-high 34 points. Other standouts were OG Anunoby whose offseason work was on full display and undrafted rookie Terence Davis.

VanVleet (ankle), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) and Patrick McCaw (knee) are all listed as probable for this match.

Boston Celtics

Kemba Walker began his Celtics era with a loss and a less than stellar showing shooting 4 of 18 from the field and 1 of 6 from deep. The 76ers big lineup likely had a lot to do with that.

Despite the loss, the Celtics played with aggression and clearly are intent on utilizing tough defense again this season. The problem is scoring as they failed to register 100 points (93). The shooting line was terrible: 36.7% from the field, 26.9% from deep and 58.8% from the charity stripe.

Gordon Hayward looks much improved over last season leading the Celtics in scoring with 25 points.

Enes Kanter suffered a knee contusion and consequently won’t play. Romeo Langford is also out dealing with a sore knee. Tacko Fall is in the concussion protocol program making his presence questionable.

NBA Betting Trends:

Raptors are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.
Teams are 5-5 in the last 10 head to head contests.
Over Under is 4-6 in team’s last 10 head to head matchups

Free Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics NBA Prediction:

This matchup is always closely contested but it’s hard to imagine how the Celtics will deal with Siakam or any of the Raptors bigs. Boston was already lacking in depth upfront but if both Kanter and Fall are out they’ll have to rely on Daniel Theis and sophomore Robert Williams III both of whom are 6.8″ or the 6’6″ Semi Ojeleye.

Considering small forward Anunoby is 6’8″ that’s a tough situation for Brad Stevens to game plan for. He’ll have no option but to play small ball lineups.

4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Raptors plus the points

Although this is the Celtics home opener the size differential favors Toronto and Boston have carried over last season’s issues finding consistent scoring. Moreover, Nurse wasn’t happy with how Game 1 went down despite the win so expect a more concerted Raptors defensive effort.