Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have entertained thoughts of a series sweep after they won their two home games, but they now find themselves in danger of having to go deep in this series after dropping a close one on Friday. Jayson Tatum led the team with 36 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Jaylen Brown added 19 points while Derrick White chipped in with 16 points, but no other player scored more than seven points.
As a team, the Celtics shot 44 percent from the field and nine of 27 from the 3-point line as they looked to be headed for another blowout win after taking a 10-point lead at halftime. However, they came out of the halftime break half asleep and ended up falling just short and out of time. Kristaps Porzingis scored just seven points on three of 10 shooting, while Al Horford chipped in with just six points.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic needed to come out strong and defend home court to breathe life into the series and they did just that with a 95-93 home win in Game 3 on Friday. Franz Wagner led the team with 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, Paolo Banchero added 29 points with six rebounds while Wendell Carter Jr chipped in with 10 points and 12 rebounds, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring.
As a team, the Magic shot just 41 percent from the field and eight of 32 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in deep trouble when they scored just 18 points in the second quarter to trail by 11 points. But they responded with defense as they restricted the Celtics to just 11 points in the third quarter to eke out a crucial win in front of a packed home crowd. Cory Joseph struggled again as he scored just six points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished scoreless in 32 minutes of action.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The home team has won each of the last 10 games between the Celtics and Magic.
- The Celtics have lost each of their last five games at Kia Center.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games at Kia Center.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last six night games.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last 11 road games following a loss.
- The Magic have lost each of their last seven games as underdogs after winning as underdogs.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in each of their last 11 road games following a loss.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as underdogs after winning 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
- Jayson Tatum is one of only three players in the league to be leading his team for points, rebounds and assists this season.
- Derrick White ranks 7th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.5) this season.
Magic vs Celtics Prediction
The Magic are still missing Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner, while the Celtics have ruled out Jrue Holiday again, and they have Jaylen Brown listed as questionable. The Magic were able to make a stand with a gritty win in Game 3, but they were never in full control and could’ve easily lost it at the end if there was more time on the clock.
Perhaps the Magic can put up another strong fight in this one, but the Celtics made just nine 3-pointers in Game 3 and I just don’t see them shooting that poorly two games in a row. Give me the Celtics to reclaim full control of the series with a win and cover on the road in this spot.