NBA : Raptors, Celtics Go Head-to-Head in Boston

The Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors are the No. and No. 3 seeds in the Eastern Conference, and are viewed as the teams most likely to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two will meet in Boston on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET.

The Raptors have struggled in the latter half of January, losing six of their last seven games entering Tuesday. While DeMar DeRozan's recent injury was a factor, they've also had problems shooting the ball. Toronto is shooting 45.2% (down from 46.4% for the season) from the field and just 34.8% (down from 37.5%) from the three-point line.

A lot of the Celtics’ success comes from PG Isaiah Thomas, who’s joining DeRozan in the All-Star Game. Thomas is averaging a league-leading 10 points in the fourth quarter. He’s shooting 47.5% from the field in the final quarter, including 42.3% from downtown.

Toronto is 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five against the Celtics, winning and covering in both meetings so far this season. The Raptors won 101-94 in Boston on December 9, and then 114-106 in Toronto on January 10.

NBA Odds: Guards in the Spotlight in Boston

The Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics square off in Boston on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET, and the focus will be in the backcourt.

Toronto will send SG DeMar DeRozan (as a starter) and PG Kyle Lowry to the All-Star Game in New Orleans, and they'll be joined by Boston's PG Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics’ guard will have to put forth his best performance to help his team overcome the Raptors, who’ve won both meetings against Boston so far this season. The Raptors have struggled away from home recently, though, dropping five of their last six road games.