NBA Odds: Celtics vs. Raptors prediction, odds and pick

Boston Celtics (19-5) visit the Toronto Raptors (12-11) on Monday at 7:40 pm ET. Boston has won six of its last seven games and is in first place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has lost two of last three games but has three straight home wins. This will be the first of four meetings between the division rivals.

The Celtics are first in scoring, 3-point percentage, and offensive efficiency. They are 13th in points allowed and 19th on efficiency, but their real vulnerabilities lie on the glass. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the team's leading rebounders and scorers. Boston lacks a dominant big man to control the boards. Al Horford and Grant Williams could play a big role in this game. Toronto is one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA, while Boston is near the bottom.

The Raptors are a top-10 team in the Eastern Conference. They rank 20th in scoring and 12th on efficiency. Pascal Siakam is having the best individual season of his career. The team is also a very good on the glass, with five players averaging over 5.5 rebounds per game. Precious Achiuwa is injured, so Chris Boucher will play a bigger role. The Celtics are the favorite to win the game, but the Raptors could cover the spread.

The Celtics have been the best team in the league this year. Boston shouldn't be getting points against anyone.

Celtics are +1 at the NBA odds.