The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic meet Friday in the NBA playoffs Game 3 at the Kia Center. Here’s a Magic vs Celtics Prediction. This article will include a Magic vs Celtics Pick.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics look for another win to take an overwhelming 3-0 series lead. The Celtics have lost two road games since January 25.
The Boston Celtics are averaging 106 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 93 points on 44.7 percent shooting. Jaylen Brown is averaging 26 points and 7.5 rebounds, while Derrick White is averaging 23.5 points and 3.5 assists. Jayson Tatum is the third double-digit scorer and Payton Pritchard is grabbing 1.5 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 74.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 30.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic need a win to have any chance of getting back in this series. The Magic have not lost three straight games since March 2-6.
The Orlando Magic are averaging 93 points on 44.8 percent shooting and allowing 106 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is averaging 34 points and 5.5 assists, while Franz Wagner is averaging 24 points and 3.5 rebounds. Wendall Carter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer, and Anthony Black is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Orlando Magic are shooting 30.4 percent from beyond the arc and 65.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Orlando Magic are allowing 37.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The home team has won each of the last nine games between the Celtics and Magic.
- The Celtics have lost each of their last four games at Kia Center.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last eight games following a loss.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games at Kia Center following a win.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The favorites have won each of the Magic’s last 13 Eastern Conference First Round games.
- The Magic have lost each of their last 10 Eastern Conference First Round games as underdogs.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Magic’s last five games at Kia Center.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last 10 Eastern Conference First Round games as underdogs.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Paolo Banchero is one of only three players in the league to be leading his team for points, rebounds and assists this season.
- Franz Wagner ranks 6th amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (12.9) this season.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Derrick White ranks 7th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.5) this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made Per Game (2.5) this season.
Magic vs Celtics Injury Report
Jayson Tatum is doubtful for the Celtics with a wrist injury. The Celtics were 9-2 SU without Tatum this season, which includes a 3-1 record in the month of April. Jrue Holiday is questionable with a hamstring injury.
The Magic will be without Moritz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
Magic vs Celtics Prediction
The Magic and the points are worth a look as they were competitive in game 2, and now they’re coming home where they’ve won 23 games. The Celtics are also still down Tatum, and Holiday could be out as well. However, the Celtics are too deep to where it probably doesn’t matter.
The Magic also still have issues scoring the ball outside of Wagner and Banchero. Where is the offense going to come from? No matter who the Celtics are without, it’s a next man up mentality, and that guy produces. The Magic just don’t have that third guy to scare teams and open things up offensively. I’ll lay the points with the Celtics.