Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors – NBA, September 11, 2020

The Toronto Raptors fought for their skin and secured a double-overtime 125-122 victory in Game 6, and now the decision will come in Game 7 when they meet the Boston Celtics for the last time this season. We (neutrals) could only wish for such a scenario in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and we’ll find the name of the second EC finalist on Friday, with the Miami Heat already in the conference finals. The Game 7 tip-off is set at 9 PM ET.

These Atlantic Division rivals have faced on ten occasions this season, and the Celtics are leading the series 6-4. Have a look at my Celtics vs. Raptors betting pick for Game 7.

The sportsbooks are giving a slight advantage to the Celtics again, and the spread is now set at -2.5. The total is the lowest in the series, despite the fact that the previous encounter went Over and produced the highest number of points, because of two overtimes.

The total is set at 203.5, which is relatively low, considering the NBA trends and standards of late. Still, we’re talking about two of the top 5 defenses in the league. If you are not interested in backing the winner, spread, or total, you can find some of the most interesting and attractive markets and odds at the best betting sites.

Boston forced overtime thanks to a stellar defensive display in the final 12 minutes as they allowed Toronto just 17 points. However, the Raptors had the stronger nerves in both overtimes and secured a win in the end. The Celtics dominated the boards (58-46) and assists (32-22), but still failed to wrap up the series.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a double-double of 31 points and game-high 16 rebounds, and two steals. Jayson Tatum had a near triple-double performance as he posted 29 points, 14 boards, nine dimes, two thefts, and two blocks.

Marcus Smart, on the other hand, did record a triple-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and game-high ten dishes, while Daniel Theis finished the tilt with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Brad Stevens recaps the physicality that has been present in this series and his excitement for Friday night’s decisive Game 7. pic.twitter.com/IsfMVHq9F8

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 10, 2020

Toronto is not going away without a fight, and that’s the fighting spirit of the real champions the Raptors are. Nick Nurse’s side was close to win in regulation, but the Celtics forced overtime, which didn’t shake the Raptors, though. Interestingly, both teams made 44 field goals, 19 triples, but Toronto was better in steals (10-5) and committed 12 turnovers opposite Boston’s 15.

Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Norman Powell had 23 points and two thefts, Fred VanVleet added 21 points, nine boards, team-high seven dimes, and a couple of steals, while OG Anunoby posted a double-double of 13 points and team-high 13 rebounds.

How can one not respect Kyle Lowry? #WeTheNorth

53 Mins | 33 Pts | 8 Reb | 6 Ast | 6 3pm pic.twitter.com/fDo0OclZId

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 10, 2020

I am not going to predict a winner of this exciting series as it could go either way in Game 7, but for the second time in a row, I am betting on Over. If you follow my NBA betting previews on our sports picks section, and you’ll know I backed Over in Game 6, which was the first Over of the entire series.

I expect another tight encounter and maybe we will see overtime again. In any case, the game will be close, and a lot of free throws late in the game. This one is going to the wire, which is completely suitable for this fantastic series.