Celtics vs. Raptors pick: NBA odds, predictions, Friday, Apr. 7

In a weird schedule quirk, the Raptors and Celtics are playing back-to-back games in Boston.

Boston won by four on Wednesday and will look to complete a four-game regular-season sweep of Toronto on Friday. 

The Celtics have nothing to play with only two regular-season games left, as they’ve locked up the second seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Meanwhile, the Raptors are confirmed in the play-in tournament, although they have an outside shot of overtaking Atlanta for its second seed. 

That would require a win from Toronto today.

But, given the motivational advantages, I’m betting the Raptors do that. 

Raptors vs. Celtics odds

Spread: Raptors +1.5 (-115) vs. Celtics -1.5 (-105) 

Moneyline: Raptors (+100) vs. Celtics (-120)

Total: Over 221.5 (-115) | Uner 221.5 (-105) 

Raptors vs. Celtics prediction

The Celtics should be in load management mode. At the time of writing and per The Action Network, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart are all questionable for Friday’s game. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see all four guards rest on Friday, which would thrust Sam Hauser and JD Davidson into the spotlight. However, it’s worth mentioning that Jaylen Brown can play shooting guard. 

Either way, the Celtics will have less depth and talent on the court this Friday. 

Meanwhile, the Raptors are healthy and can’t afford to rest players, as they’d have a significant play-in tournament advantage if they overtake Atlanta. 

If the Raptors finish the season ninth in the Eastern Conference, they’d have to win two games to earn the playoff’s eighth seed.

However, if they finish eighth, they’d earn the playoff’s seventh seed with a first-round play-in victory and would earn a chance to play for the eighth seed if they lost that one.

Ultimately, the Raptors need this win badly. 

While the Celtics have swept the season series, the Raptors have played the Celtics tough, losing the three games by a combined 11 points. Toronto is due for a positive-regression victory over Boston, flipping one of their close-fought games. 

With half the Celtics’ backcourt potentially resting, I’m betting that a regression win happens on Friday.

Expect a huge game from Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, and bet the Raptors +1.5 (-115) at BetMGM. 

I’d play the Raptors down to a pick ‘em. 

Raptors vs. Celtics pick

Toronto Raptors +1.5 (-115, BetMGM Sportsbook)