The Orlando Magic (14-27) drop by the TD Garden Sunday for a 3:30 p.m. ET afternoon game against the Boston Celtics (20-21). Below, we analyze the Magic-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Orlando snapped a nine-game losing skid by upsetting the Brooklyn Nets 121-113 Friday as 10.5-point home underdogs.
Despite currently underperforming pre-season expectations, the Magic are cashing tickets for backers recently and are 5-1-1 ATS in their previous seven games.
The Celtics have lost three straight and four of their last five including a 106-97 loss to the sliding Sacramento Kings as 7-point home favorites Friday. Boston is just 3-4 overall and 2-5 ATS so far this month.
Boston beat the brakes off of Orlando 124-97 back in January and has won four straight vs. the Magic (3-1 ATS) dating back to last season.
Magic at Celtics: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Magic +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Celtics -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Magic +8.5 (-110) | Celtics -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Magic at Celtics: Key injuries
Pelicans
- C Tristan Thompson (COVID-19) out
Celtics
- PG Michael Carter-Williams (illness) questionable
- PF James Ennis (calf) questionable
- PF Cole Anthony (ribs) out
- SF Terrence Ross (knee) out
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Magic at Celtics: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Celtics 114, Magic 109
Money line (ML)
PASS because while on paper Boston is the better team, there’s no way someone can back the Celtics (-375) at this price based on how they’ve played recently.
Boston collapsed in the fourth quarter of its loss the other night to Sacramento, only scoring 15 points, and lost to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers two nights prior.
The Celtics should be closer to a -250 money line favorite and still that wouldn’t be a good bet.
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Against the spread (ATS)
TAKE MAGIC +8.5 (-110) for 1 unit partially because Orlando has been cashing ATS tickets lately and as a fade against a slumping Boston team.
The Celtics are 2-4 ATS at home against losing teams this year, 0-4 ATS when laying between 7.5-9.5 points and 0-6 ATS in day games.
According to CleaningTheGlass.com, the Magic shoot the highest volume of mid-range shots in the Association, and the Celtics are 25th in defensive mid-range field goal percentage.
Finally, we can fade the market in this spot as nearly 75% of the money is on the Celtics to cover, according to Pregame.com.
It’s profitable generally to be on the same side as the House, and bookmakers are actually making Boston’s spread cheaper despite the pro-Celtics money.
Over/Under (O/U)
GIMME OVER 215.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
The Celtics defense has the 2nd-worst defensive rating in March, giving up the 4th-most second-chance points per game and 5th-worst defensive effective field goal shooting.
Furthermore, the Over has cashed in four consecutive Magic-Celtics meetings, five of Orlando’s previous eight games and Boston has scored 120.6 points per game in its last three vs. Orlando.
If you also like the Over here, wait closer to tip-off because the market is taking the Under.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: 2021 NCAA March Madness Special
- Boston’s fourth quarter drought leads to 107-96 loss against Kings (Celtics Wire)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
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