On Wednesday evening, the Boston Celtics (2-5) will take a trip down south to take on the Orlando Magic (2-6). The game will be held at Amway Center with a 7 p.m. ET tip. Below, we look at the Celtics at Magic odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Led by SF Jayson Tatum and SG Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have kicked off the season losing five of seven.
For a team with playoff aspirations, having dropped games consecutive games to the Wizards and then also losing to the Knicks, Raptors and Bulls is unacceptable. They’ll look to bounce back on track on the road.
As for the Magic, they’ve started to turn some heads behind the play of PG Cole Anthony and rookie SF Franz Wagner.
Along with several other high-potential prospects, the Magic are coming off a come-from-behind win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Orlando won’t be a favorite in many games, but the Magic do put up a fight.
Celtics at Magic odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Celtics -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Magic +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -6.5 (-108) | Magic +6.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Celtics at Magic key injuries
Celtics
- None.
Magic
- PG Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) out
- SG Gary Harris (ankle) questionable
- SF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
- PG Markelle Fultz (knee) out
-
SG E’Twaun Moore (knee) out
Celtics at Magic odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 112, Magic 108
Money line
PASS on the money line with a slight lean to the Magic.
At home and starting to find their rhythm, I think a +220 underdog is worth a look. Given that I don’t envision them winning, I’m not going to suggest betting this side, but it does hold more value than the -280 given to Boston.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the MAGIC +6.5 (-112) as they’re actually impressed so far this season.
The only problem here is that their youth doesn’t aid efficiency on some nights. However, Anthony is starting to blossom like Orlando hoped he would’ve when drafting him in the top ten last year.
As a team, the Magic rank in the top half in true shooting percentage and bottom five in pace. At a 6.5-point spread, all they need to do is stay competitive, and with the way they’ve been playing, I think they’ll at least hang with Boston.
The Celtics are bottom ten in net rating and defensive rating. Expect a big night from Anthony and C Mo Bamba.
Over/Under
BET on the OVER 216.5 (-110) as Orlando is starting to surge, and both teams have forgotten how to play defense.
In Orlando’s defense, they’re crippled from injuries and opt to start two smaller guards and a rookie. For Boston, there’s really no excuse, however, they do push the pace and force teams to keep up with them.
Boston ranks 27th in defensive rating and then 15th in pace. They’ve topped 105 points in all but one game. With Tatum a full-blown superstar, expect him to score quite a bit against an undersized Magic.
The Magic are dead last in defensive rating as well. Two horrible defensive teams should make for a high-scoring game.
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