NBA picks tonight: Raptors vs. Celtics pick, prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report

New Year’s weekend in the NBA will tip off this evening and Friday’s slate will feature the Toronto Raptors paying a visit to the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Toronto (12-18) was able to end a three-game losing streak on Wednesday, wrecking the Wizards in a 132-102 blowout victory. The Raptors dominated on the glass in this contest and continued to build on its lead in the second half. Boston (24-6) got a surprise test from the Pistons last night, surviving in a 128-122 overtime victory to hand Detroit its 28th straight loss. The Celtics managed to erase a 21-point deficit to force OT and Kristaps Porzingis came up big in the final minute to put the game out of reach.

As of this writing, the Celtics have yet to release their injury report while there are no notable injuries for the Raptors.

Boston enters the game as an 8-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, accompanied by a total of 225.5. The Celtics are listed as a -305 moneyline favorite, making the Raptors a +245 underdog.

Raptors vs. Celtics, 7:30 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Celtics -8

Boston is rolling right now, but you have to wonder if fatigue will play a factor coming off last night’s overtime thriller. Well, the Celtics are 3-1 against the spread with no rest and they just went through a similar scenario last week, following up an overtime loss to the Warriors with a 25-point beatdown of the Kings the following night. Throw in the fact that they already own a home blowout victory over the Raptors this season and I’m taking the NBA’s top team to cover.

Over/Under: Over 225.5

Boston has averaged 128 PPG over their past 10 games, the second-best scoring average in the League during that stretch. These have been high-scoring affairs with an average score of 242.7, so I think the over will cash easily tonight.