Raptors vs. Celtics: Game 5 Preview
Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics – Game 5
Odds and Prediction
The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors square off in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals on Monday late afternoon in what has been a series of drastic momentum shifts thus far.
After digging themselves into a 2-0 deficit, the Raptors escaped with a thrilling 104-103 win in Game 3 to completely alter the tone of the series.
Then, Toronto held Boston to a playoff low 93 points en route to a victory in Game 4 to even the series at two games apiece.
Defence has been the story throughout this match-up as the team that has lost is averaging just under 98 points per game. Every game in this series has gone under the total points projected – and Game 5 will likely be another close contest.
Boston point guard Kemba Walker has had an uneven series, besides his 29-point effort in Game 3 he is averaging only 16.6 points per game in the other three match-ups. His three-point shooting has followed that pattern, with a 1-for-6 effort in Game 4 Walker has converted just six of his 21 attempts from beyond the arc in the last three games.
Walker was not alone in struggling from three-point range, Boston as a team shot just 20% (7-35) in Game 4.
The over/under for each game has steadily decreased since Game 2 (218.5) and oddsmakers have used the defensive tone of the series accordingly.
That being said, after four tough and competitive games these teams are very evenly matched. Between reigning Coach of the Year Nick Nurse for Toronto and Brad Stevens on the bench for Boston, look for some adjustments to be made on offense.
The over/under for Game 5 sits at just 212.5 points, this could finally be the contest that sees the first over of the series. It is a Pick Em in terms of favourites, after two heartbreaking losses expect a better performance from the Celtics in Game 5.
Prediction: Boston 110 – Toronto 105 (Betting the Over)
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-- written by Tyler Robinson
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