Orlando Magic (41-41) vs Boston Celtics (61-21)
Game Info: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Kia Center)
Betting Odds: Orlando Magic +4.5 -- Over/Under: 197.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics are in full control of the series and they will be looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead after taking down the Magic in a 109-100 home win in Game 2 on Wednesday. Jaylen Brown led the team with 36 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points with 10 rebounds and two blocks while Derrick White chipped in with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.
As a team, the Celtics shot 45 percent from the field and 12 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to get going in the absence of the injured Jayson Tatum. They leaned heavily on Brown to carry the offense in a game where they never led by more than 15 points.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic now have their backs against the wall after missing out on a great opportunity to level the series in Game 2 on Wednesday. Paolo Banchero led the team with 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Franz Wagner added 25 points on 10 of 20 shooting while Wendell Carter Jr chipped in with 16 points on six of eight shooting. As a team, the Magic shot 47 percent from the field and just seven of 29 from the 3-point line as they fought hard to trail by just one point early in the third quarter. Before the Celtics went on a pivotal 11-0 run to start to pull away. The Magic just needed a bit more from their role players like Cory Joseph who scored just seven points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who finished with just three points on one of nine shooting.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won 12 of their last 13 home games against the Celtics following a road loss.
- The Celtics have lost each of their last four games at Kia Center following a win.
- The home team has covered the spread in eight of the last nine games between the Celtics and Magic.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The favorites have won each of the Magic's last 13 playoff games.
- The Magic have lost each of their last 10 playoff games as underdogs.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last four Eastern Conference First Round road games.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last 10 playoff games as underdogs.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ranks 10th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.3) this season.
- Wendell Carter Jr. ranks 29th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (7.2) this season.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Jaylen Brown ranks 22nd amongst qualified players for points per game (22.2) this season.
- Al Horford ranks 9th amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (1.9) this season.
Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Celtics are still keeping an eye on Jayson Tatum, who is dealing with that wrist injury, while the Magic are still without Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner. The Celtics didn't dominate Game 2 like they did in the series opener, but they did enough to get the job done thanks to a big game from Brown, who picked up the slack in the absence of Jayson Tatum. I think we will see increased production from the Magic's role players now that they're back at home, but I still don't think it will be enough to hold off the Celtics in this spot. I might have been tempted to take the Magic at home, but with the line so short, I will back the Celtics to take care of business on the road in this spot.
Peter’s Pick Boston -4.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
