As the race in the East tightens, the Celtics seek to tie the Raptors with a home win against the Rockets – Greg Frank's pick

1-1 Friday, 101-96-2 overall.

Rockets (+1.5) @ Celtics (230)

Pick: Celtics -1.5

It’s late in the regular season and we think contenders are in the business of sending messages as the playoffs get closer, which was the basis for our Clippers pick last night. Boston might look to send one to the idle Raptors tonight. The two teams are battling for the two seed in the East which could prove pivotal given how well both play at home. The Celtics and Raptors are on a collision course to meet in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and the all-important Game 7 being at home might mean a little bit to the team that gets it on its floor. Toronto just lost at home to Charlotte as a 14-point favorite on Friday night. Boston winning here would pull the Celtics even with Toronto in the standings. Messages aside, the Celtics are playing really well lately having won four out of five and covered in five straight games. Their last loss happened to be in Houston against the Rockets. Boston extracts some minor revenge tonight.