Boston plays Toronto, aims for 16th straight home win

Fri, Dec 29, 2023
NBA News (AP)

Toronto Raptors (12-18, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (24-6, first in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Celtics -9.5; over/under is 223

BOTTOM LINE: Boston hosts Toronto aiming to extend its 15-game home winning streak.

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The Celtics have gone 9-1 against division opponents. Boston is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 11.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 2.6.

The Raptors are 0-8 against the rest of their division. Toronto is the top team in the Eastern Conference scoring 17.7 fast break points per game led by OG Anunoby averaging 3.8.

The Celtics average 16.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.3 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Raptors allow. The Raptors average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer made shots on average than the 13.9 per game the Celtics give up.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Celtics won the last meeting 108-105 on Nov. 18. Jaylen Brown scored 23 points to help lead the Celtics to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jayson Tatum is averaging 27 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 20.7 points over the last 10 games for Boston.

Pascal Siakam is averaging 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Raptors. Scottie Barnes is averaging 22.9 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 53.4% over the past 10 games for Toronto.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 9-1, averaging 128.0 points, 45.5 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 7.6 steals and 7.0 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.

Raptors: 3-7, averaging 116.8 points, 43.5 rebounds, 32.6 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.1 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Jaylen Brown: out (back).

Raptors: Garrett Temple: day to day (ankle), Christian Koloko: out (respiratory).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.