Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic: 3 Best Bets for In-Season Tournament Showdown
The Orlando Magic host the Boston Celtics in a game with major In-Season Tournament implications this afternoon. The Celtics are winning East Group C right now, but things could get interesting if the Magic squeak out a win.
The Magic enter the game riding a five-game win streak, including a masterclass in persistence against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Boston is just as good this year as Denver, so the Magic will have its hands tied in this matchup.
The Magic continues to be without Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr., while Boston has Jrue Holiday as probable and Jaylen Brown as questionable.
Jalen Suggs drives against Gary Trent Jr.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Boston is one of the best rebounding teams in the league, so Orlando will need to count on scrappy play and hustle if they want to increase their win streak to six. Below we have the odds from SI Sportsbook and our best bets.
The Lines
Point spread: Celtics -5.5 (-118)/Magic +5.5 (-118)
Moneyline: Celtics (-225)/Magic (+163)
Over/under: 222.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 19.5 points (-118)
Paolo Banchero has scored over 20 points in all of the last three games and continues to cement himself as the best player in Orlando. The Magic has seemingly found “it,” being a solid momentum and the ability to win games against good teams. A lot of that depends on Banchero’s success, and in a high-stakes game that could be the first taste of a future playoff matchup, expect Banchero to give it his all.
Opponent pick: Kristaps Porzingis OVER 18.5 points (-133)
The three-headed monster of Boston’s offense all has a solid defensive matchup today, with the exception of Porzingis. Jayson Tatum has to go up against Banchero, Jaylen Brown has to match up with Jalen Suggs, but the deep threat, 7-2 Porzingis doesn’t have a reliable defender on him, so the Boston offense will run through him.
Team pick: Orlando +5.5 (-118)
Much like the last game against Denver, Orlando will keep it close. We did not predict that the Magic would beat the Nuggets, and asking them to beat two of the best teams in a row is a bit much. That being said, Orlando doesn’t get blown out and Boston rarely wins big. Plus, this line is looking rather large, so Orlando should easily be able to cover the spread.
