After a long layoff due to COVID-19 issues, the Boston Celtics return to the court at TD Garden on Friday to face the Orlando Magic. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.
The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBC Sports Boston and Fox Sports Florida.
Both the Magic and Celtics will be extremely shorthanded. Orlando is missing most of its backcourt, with Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier and Michael Carter-Williams out, along with Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke, Mo Bamba and Al-Farouq Aminu. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Romeo Langford and Robert Williams are out, while Jaylen Brown, Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green are questionable. Grant Williams and Tristan Thompson are eligible to return.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Celtics -3.5
- Money line: Celtics -150 / Magic +125
- Over-under: 212.5
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.
Advice and prediction
The Celtics have not played a game since January 8th, and it’s tempting to take the Magic here given the Celtics’ injuries and long layoff – but the Magic are just as depleted, and have not been competitive during their current three-game losing streak with Cole Anthony at the helm instead of Markelle Fultz. If Jaylen Brown plays, this should be a 10-point Celtics win, but even if he doesn’t I wouldn’t feel comfortable being on the Magic here. Take Celtics -3.5 in a rusty, low-scoring game. I’m avoiding a bet on the under because 212.5 is just a bit too low to feel comfortable.
Prediction: Celtics 109, Magic 98
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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