Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics Predictions

The Toronto Raptors will travel to face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 26, 2025, in a significant NBA showdown that pits two Eastern Conference teams with vastly different fortunes against each other. The Raptors, under Darko Rajaković, finished the 2024 regular season with 25 wins, placing 12th in the East, and as of February 25, 2025, are projected to sit 13th with around 19-38, following a projected 108-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers (Feb 24, 2025). The Celtics, led by Joe Mazzulla, ended 2024 with 64 wins, securing 1st in the East and the NBA Championship, and are projected to lead the conference with approximately 47-9 by February 25, 2025, after a projected 121-112 win over the Atlanta Hawks (Feb 24, 2025). Our expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics in this NBA clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Toronto Raptors

• 2024 Record: 25W, 57L (12th in Eastern Conference)

• Postseason: Did not qualify

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 25): 108-104 loss vs. Indiana Pacers (Feb 24, 2025); 8W, 3D, 19L (19-38 projected entering Feb 25)

• Away Form (2024): 11W, 30L (averaging 111.0 points scored, 118.8 conceded)
  The Toronto Raptors have struggled mightily in the 2024/25 season, with their projected 108-104 loss to the Pacers marking their fourth defeat in five games (1W, 0D, 4L), despite a 112-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets (Feb 18, 2025). As of February 25, 2025, they’re projected at 19-38, averaging 112.5 points per game and conceding 119.2, reflecting a team hampered by inconsistency and injuries. On the road in 2024, they averaged 111.0 points per game, with Scottie Barnes (19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds entering 2025) leading the charge, though their defense has been porous, especially away from home.

Boston Celtics

• 2024 Record: 64W, 18L (1st in Eastern Conference)

• Postseason: Won NBA Championship (Beat Dallas Mavericks 4-1)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 25): 121-112 win vs. Atlanta Hawks (Feb 24, 2025); 20W, 2D, 4L (47-9 projected entering Feb 25)

• Home Form (2024): 37W, 4L (averaging 122.2 points scored, 108.5 conceded)
  The Boston Celtics have been a dominant force, with their projected 121-112 win over the Hawks marking their sixth straight victory, following a 130-104 rout of the Chicago Bulls (Feb 18, 2025). Projected at 47-9 by February 25, 2025, they average 123.8 points per game and concede 107.5, showcasing an elite offense and stout defense. At home in 2024, they averaged 122.2 points per game, with Jayson Tatum (28.5 points, 8.5 rebounds entering 2025) and Jaylen Brown (25.5 points) leading a championship-caliber squad, though minor injuries have occasionally tested their depth.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Celtics 69W, Raptors 41W (110 meetings since 1995)

• Recent Meetings:

  • Jan 15, 2025: Raptors 104-121 Celtics (Regular Season)

  • Dec 31, 2024: Celtics 120-118 Raptors (Regular Season)

  • Nov 16, 2024: Raptors 103-121 Celtics (Regular Season)

  • Apr 7, 2024: Celtics 118-103 Raptors (Regular Season)

  • Jan 15, 2024: Raptors 96-105 Celtics (Regular Season)

• Key Trend: Celtics have won 10 straight meetings; 3 of their last 5 H2Hs exceeded 230 points.
  The Celtics have asserted complete dominance over the Raptors, with their 121-104 win on January 15, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena continuing a 10-game winning streak, led by Tatum’s 34 points over Barnes’ 23. Games have averaged 228.4 points in their last five encounters, with Boston unbeaten in their last six home games against Toronto (6W), their last home loss to the Raptors dating back to 2021 (115-112). The high-scoring trend reflects both teams’ offensive capabilities, though Toronto’s struggles amplify Boston’s edge.

Key Players to Watch

Toronto Raptors

• Scottie Barnes (SF): 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds per game in 2024/25; Raptors’ cornerstone and top performer.

• RJ Barrett (SG): 18.5 points per game; key scorer adding versatility (assuming recovery from injury).

• Jakob Poeltl (C): 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds; defensive anchor in the paint.

Boston Celtics

• Jayson Tatum (SF): 28.5 points, 8.5 rebounds per game in 2024/25; Celtics’ superstar and MVP candidate.

• Jaylen Brown (SG): 25.5 points per game; dynamic scorer complementing Tatum.

• Derrick White (PG): 15.5 points, 5.5 assists; crucial two-way guard stabilizing the backcourt.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

The Celtics’ versatile 4-1-4 (123.8 points per game) will overpower the Raptors’ struggling 4-5-1 (112.5 points per game). Tatum’s scoring and Brown’s explosiveness could exploit Toronto’s defense (119.2 points allowed), which ranks near the bottom of the league. The Raptors’ half-court offense, led by Barnes’ playmaking and Poeltl’s interior presence, will test Boston’s defense (107.5 points allowed), though their lack of depth and road woes limit their threat. Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley (out, wrist) and Celtics’ Jrue Holiday (doubtful, shoulder) may shift lineups, with Boston’s 19,156-strong TD Garden crowd amplifying their dominance.

Prediction: Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics

Our Prediction: Player Points :Scottie Barnes - Under 19.5