Raptors vs Celtics Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Toronto boasts a tremendous defense, and our expert NBA predictions expect the Raptors to compete well enough to cover the spread tonight at TD Garden.

Andrew Caley - Senior Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Andrew Caley • Senior Betting Analyst
Jan 9, 2026 • 11:54 ET • 4 min read

NBA

Jan 09 • 7:00 PM ET
BOS
45 %
TOR
55 %
EXPERT PICK - SPREAD
Toronto +10.0 (-110) Toronto +10.0 (-110)
See Today's Picks
RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors NBA
Photo By - Imagn Images. RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors.

Most people thought the Boston Celtics were going to tank this season with Jayson Tatum being sidelined for the year.

But Jaylen Brown has taken his game to the next level, and the C’s are the most prolific 3-point shooting team in the NBA.

The Celtics will look to let it fly against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on Friday, January 9.

Boston has beaten Toronto twice already this season, but my Raptors vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks explain why this double-digit spread is too big.

Raptors vs Celtics prediction

Raptors vs Celtics best bet: Raptors +10 (-110)

The Boston Celtics are 10-point home favorites for this showdown against the Toronto Raptors. That's in part because Scottie Barnes is doubtful and Brandon Ingram is questionable.

But Ingram was spotted getting shots up at shootaround.

But the reason the Raptors have a chance to keep this close is because of their perimeter defense. 

Toronto is one of the better defensive squads in the NBA, ranking third in defensive rating while limiting opponents to the second-lowest 3-point shooting percentage.

Boston attempts the second-most threes per game. If the Raptors close out on the Celtics' shooters, this game should stay within the number.

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Raptors vs Celtics same-game parlay

Another notable aspect of the Raptors is the return of RJ Barrett. The Raptors are 16-6 and 15-2 in their last seventeen games overall.

Barrett missed both losses against Boston and is starting to find his groove, scoring 29, 17, and 28 points in his last three games. Add Over 19.5 points for Barrett to this SGP.

And with Barnes unlikely to play, it could mean more of a run for rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. CMB is putting in work on the glass, averaging 9.7 rebounds over his last six games, grabbing seven or more five times. 

You can add a 30% profit boost to this SGP over at bet365.

Raptors vs Celtics SGP

  • Raptors +10
  • RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points
  • Collin Murray-Boyles Over 6.5 rebounds 

Our "from downtown" SGP: Raps Win!

If the Raptors pull off this big upset, it means their defense came to play, resulting in a low-scoring battle. 

Raptors vs Celtics SGP

  • Raptors moneyline
  • Under 222
  • RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points
  • Collin Murray-Boyles Over 6.5 rebounds 

Raptors vs Celtics odds

  • Spread: Raptors +10 (-110) | Celtics -10 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Raptors +270 | Celtics -390
  • Over/Under: Over 222 (-110) | Under 222 (-110)

Raptors vs Celtics betting trend to know

The Raptors have covered the 3Q Spread in 27 of their last 40 away games for +12.75 Units and a 27% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Celtics.

How to watch Raptors vs Celtics

Location TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date Friday, January 9, 2026
Tip-off 7:00 p.m. ET
TV SN, NBCSB

Raptors vs Celtics latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Andrew Caley
Senior Betting Analyst

When his dreams of becoming the next Steve Nash died, all Andrew "Taco" Caley wanted to do was write about sports, something he's been doing at Covers for more than a decade. A Journalism School grad from Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI, Andrew previously worked at The Chronicle Herald and Star Metro, but knew in his heart that his future lay in sports. He began at Covers as a news editor and has now done everything under the sun when it comes to content. His work has been seen on TSN, Sportsnet, VSiN, and CBS. These days Andrew's betting expertise is focused on his favorite teams; the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. He's also an avid college football fan and bettor. He can't be friends with you if you don't appreciate a Service Academy Under. The sportsbook where he does the bulk of his betting is bet365 thanks to its numerous prop betting options and competitive odds. His best advice? Find the balance between the numbers and what you see on the playing field. Then find the best price using multiple books. And don’t ask him where the nickname Taco comes from. It's not an interesting story. Seriously.

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