Raptors being overlooked in Atlantic Division odds

The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors couldn't be more alike. Both teams average 113 points per game and give up 106. They've each won 23 games at home, and are led by crafty point guards and emerging first-time All-Stars. They even have identical odds to win the NBA championship at +1600. However, despite their many similarities, Boston is the clear-cut favorite to win the Atlantic Division at -135.

So, what gives? Are the Celtics really the superior team despite everything the metrics tell us? Let's take a deep dive into these two clubs to determine who you should wager on.

Which team has the easier schedule?

The Celtics and Raptors are separated by just one percentage point in ESPN’s Relative Percent Index. It makes sense since they have similar remaining schedules, but we're giving a slight, razor-thin edge to Toronto, which should be able to fatten its record with a home-and-home series against the Knicks and home dates against the decimated Pistons, Warriors, and Hawks.

Advantage: Toronto

Which team is healthier heading into the stretch?

Boston is back to full strength following Kemba Walker’s return to the lineup on Tuesday. The All-Star point guard missed the Celtics’ five previous games with left knee soreness. It’s quite another story for the Raptors, who are badly battered and bruised. Marc Gasol is expected to be sidelined until March 5 with hamstring soreness and Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka are game time decisions as they deal with lingering issues that have kept them out of the lineup for the past week.

Advantage: Boston

Which team has been hotter lately?

Once again, it's nearly a draw as the Celtics and Raptors have both won six of their last 10 games. However, the momentum belongs to the boys in black and red. Boston is coming off a crushing 129-120 overtime loss to Brooklyn on Tuesday, while Toronto is fresh off a 123-114 win over Phoenix that snapped a three-game skid. Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and Norman Powell combined for 87 points as the Raptors pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Advantage: Toronto

How have the Celtics and Raptors fared against each other?

The series has been tighter than a boiled owl. Boston has won two of its first three games against Toronto this season, but has outscored the Raptors by just two points per game. Toronto’s lone win came on Dec. 28 when it downed Boston 113-97 behind 30 points from Kyle Lowry. The two teams will wrap up their regular season series on Friday, March 20 at Scotiabank Arena in what should be another tightly contested grudge match.

Advantage: Boston

Which team has the edge?

At times like these we're reminded of the sage words of Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, who implored his team’s fans to “never underestimate the heart of a champion.” Yes, the Raptors no longer have Kawhi Leonard to bail them out, but they're still the defending NBA champs until someone knocks them off their perch. Toronto has also won five of the last six Atlantic Division titles and enters Wednesday's action 1.5 games ahead of Boston in the standings.

Snap up Toronto at plus odds while you still can, as the Raptors look poised to leave Boston in the dust during the final 20 games of the season.

Advantage: Toronto

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