Toronto Raptors Odds
The Toronto Raptors will aim to maintain the momentum from Thursday’s wild finish when they hit the court Saturday in an attempt to even their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series at two games apiece.
OG Anunoby drilled a 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Raptors to a 104-103 victory in Game 3. The shot capped the first career playoff double-double for Anunoby, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds and has finished in double figures in points for four straight games.
Kyle Lowry registered a team-best 31 points and eight assists while logging a season-high 46:29 of court time. Fred VanVleet chipped in 25 points.
Boston Celtics Odds
After they were dealt their first loss of the playoffs Thursday night, the Boston Celtics will try to respond Saturday as they attempt to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Toronto Raptors.
Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 29 points in Game 3, including 17 in the first quarter, a career-high for any quarter in the postseason. Jaylen Brown notched his first career playoff double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum scored 15 points.
Reserve center Robert Williams went 1-for-2 from the field, missing his first shot after hitting his first 10 attempts of the series.
Raptors at Celtics Betting Pick for September 5, 2020
Tight games appear to be the norm in this series, and one reason the latest one should go to the Raptors is their edge in ball control.
Toronto has committed 16 fewer turnovers than Boston, and that poise is always valuable in crunch time.
Raptors at Celtics Betting Pick: Raptors (-116), Celtics (-102)
Raptors 100, Celtics 97
Raptors at Celtics Best Bet
Marcus Smart’s hot hand in the fourth quarter boosted Boston to victory in Game 2, but he was considerably cooler Thursday, scoring 11 points on 4-for-15 shooting, including 2-for-9 from long range.
He is averaging 12.1 points a game in the postseason but a mere 6.3 through the first three games against the Raptors.
Raptors at Celtics Best Bet: UNDER 12.5 total points for Smart (-104)
Editor’s Note: Never “Smart” to Bet Against Marcus Two Games in a Row
