Boston Celtics (61-21) vs Orlando Magic (41-41)
Game Info: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm (TD Garden)
Betting Odds: Boston Celtics -10.5 -- Over/Under: 197.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic headed into the playoffs with plenty of momentum, but they will be going back to the drawing board after getting squashed by the Celtics in a 103-86 road defeat on Sunday. Paolo Banchero led the team with 36 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on 14 of 27 shooting while Franz Wagner added 23 points with five assists and two blocks, but no other player scored more than seven points.
As a team, the Magic shot 42 percent from the field and 10 of 27 from the 3-point line as they poured in 31 points in the second quarter to take the narrow lead at halftime. Only to get blown out by 55-37 in the second half. Wendell Carter Jr and Cole Anthony scored just four points each, while Cory Joseph finished scoreless in 26 minutes as a starter.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics won 14 of their last 16 games of the regular season, and they must be feeling confident after making it look easy in Game 1 on Sunday. Derrick White drained seven 3-pointers to lead the team with 30 points on 10 of 18 shooting, Payton Pritchard added 19 points off the bench, Jayson Tatum scored 17 points with 14 rebounds and four assists while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Celtics shot 45 percent from the field and 16 of 37 from the 3-point line as they wasted a quick start and found themselves trailing at halftime. Before they clicked into gear on defense and restricted the Magic to just 37 points in the second half to run away with it in the end despite a poor game from Kristaps Porzingis. He shot just one of eight for his five points.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The home team has won each of the last eight games between the Magic and Celtics.
- The Magic have lost each of their last 10 Wednesday night games at TD Garden.
- The favorites have covered the spread in 11 of the Magic's last 12 playoff games.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine playoff games as underdogs.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won each of their last seven games following a loss.
- The Celtics have lost four of their last eight games as home favorites against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last six road games following a loss.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in 23 of their last 30 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 still shorthanded with Moritz Wagner and Jalen Suggs still out, while the Celtics are keeping an eye on Jayson Tatum, who is listed as doubtful for this meeting. The Magic really wanted to shock everyone and pull off the upset as big underdogs, but their lack of depth was on display once again as their role players failed to step up on the road. The Celtics will be without Tatum for this one, but he was hardly needed on Sunday, and the Celtics have more than enough firepower to pick up the slack in the short term.
This will likely be the Magic's best chance to get a win and avoid the sweep in this series, but Paolo Banchero led the team with 36 points in Game 1 and that still wasn't nearly enough. The Celtics are just too tough to beat at home when they are hitting their 3-pointers, and I think they win easily if they catch fire from behind the arc.
Peter’s Pick Boston -10.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
