Boston Celtics (61-21) vs Orlando Magic (41-41)
Game Info: Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 3:30 pm (TD Garden)
Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -13.5 -- Over/Under: 205.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ABC
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic looked like they weren't going to feature in the playoff picture at all, but they won eight of their last 11 games to earn a shot at the Play-In Tournament. They beat the Hawks by 120-95 back on Tuesday. Cole Anthony led the team with 26 points and six assists on 10 of 17 shooting off the bench. Wendell Carter Jr added 19 points with seven rebounds and two blocks, Paolo Banchero scored 17 points with nine rebounds and seven assists, while Franz Wagner chipped in with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
As a team, the Magic shot 48 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrific start and stormed out to a 22-point lead. However, they allowed the Hawks to hang around and cut the lead to just six points before they exploded for 41 points in the fourth quarter to make it a blowout win in the end.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are coming into the playoffs as serious contenders as they've won consistently all season despite dealing with constant injuries to key players for most of the season. Jayson Tatum led the team with averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Jaylen Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while missing 19 games. Kristaps Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game despite missing 40 games. Derrick White averaged 16.4 points and 4.8 assists per game.
As a team, the Celtics scored 116.3 points per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from the 3-point line but the strength of their success was always their third-ranked defense which remained solid despite the constant injuries to starters.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won 19 of their last 20 home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Magic have lost each of their last eight playoff games as underdogs.
- The favorites have covered the spread in 10 of the Magic's last 11 playoff games.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Eastern Conference First Round games as underdogs.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won each of their last three games as road underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Celtics have lost 10 of their last 18 playoff games as favorites against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven playoff games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Kristaps Porzingis ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (2.5) this season.
- Sam Hauser ranks 13th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.9) this season.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Franz Wagner ranks 6th amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (12.9) this season.
- Jonathan Isaac ranks 6th amongst qualified players for blocks per 36 minutes (2.6) this season.
Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Magic are coming into this series shorthanded, as they are still missing Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner, while the Celtics don't have a single player listed on their injury report. The Magic got hit hard by injuries midway through the season, and it looked as though they had to write off the season. But they finished strong and snuck their way into the playoffs via an easy win over the Hawks in the Play-In Tournament. The Magic are massive underdogs in this matchup, but they beat the Celtics twice in three meetings during the regular season, and the Celtics could be a little rusty following a long layoff. It's hard to see anything but a win for the Celtics at home, but I think the Magic can hang around and keep this somewhat close at the end.
Peter’s Pick Orlando +13.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
