Magic vs. Celtics prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Orlando Magic will face Boston Celtics at TD Garden this Friday. It will be a possible playoff preview as we continue our NBA odds series and make a Magic-Celtics prediction and pick.

The Celtics lead the series 75-56. Recently, the The Magic beat the Celtics 108-104 at home on Dec. 23, 2024. The Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10 games against the Magic, including 3-2 in five games at TD Garden.

Here are the Magic-Celtics NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Magic-Celtics odds

Orlando Magic: +12.5 (-114)

Moneiline: +520

Boston Celtics: -12.5 (-106)

Money line: -700

More: 211 (-110)

Under: 211 (-110)

How to watch Magic vs. Celtics

Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

TV: ESPN, NBC Sports Boston and FanDuel Sports Florida

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why would magic cover the spread/win

Things are looking better than ever for Magic, ace Paolo Banchero recently returned and exploded for 34 points in his first game back. Even better news: Franz Wagner is making progress in his recovery and may return in the next few weeks. Despite not having either Buncher or Wagner for several weeks, the Magic have held on and are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Bringing back their big guns will only help their run.

Even without Buncher or Wagner, the Magic still beat the Celtics last month. Tristan De Silva was the incredible hero, leading the Magic with 18 points while shooting 6 for 11 from the floor. Likewise, Trevelyn Queen scored 17 points while shooting 5-for-9. Jalen Suggs, who is currently dealing with a back injury, had 16 points while shooting 5-for-13 from the floor. The Magic struggled to handle the rock, turning the ball over 20 times.

The Magic weren’t the best offensively, as they shot 44.6 percent from the floor in that game, including 39.4 percent from beyond the arc. However, they held the Celtics to 44 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from the three-point line. The Magic also benefited from hitting all 21 of their free throw attempts. They also outrebounded the Celtics 42-41. Additionally, their defense was stout, with 11 steals that helped force 18 Boston turnovers. The Magic also blocked nine shots.

Magic will cover the spread if they can improve their shooting a bit and can win the board battle. Next, they must contain the Celtics and not allow them to shoot well from threes.

Why the Celtics could cover the spread/win

The Celtics are an elite team with very little flaws they might need to address at the trade deadline. That’s why he’ll be a good favorite in this game, even with Buncher back. Remember that when the Celtics lost to the Magic, Jayson Tatum didn’t play. That probably played a big part in the loss. However, Tatum will suit up in this game. Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer in the loss, scoring 35 points and nine rebounds while shooting 15 for 29 from the floor.

Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 points while shooting just 2 for 10. Derrick White added 17 points while shooting 5 for 12. Also, Jrue Holiday had 16 points while shooting 7 for 12. The bench combined for only 11 points. The Celtics turned the ball over 18 times and need to be more careful with the rock.

The Celtics didn’t shoot well against the Magic. However, as mentioned earlier, they will have Tatum back in this game. It will help with everything from scoring to rebounding. The defense continued to be solid against the Magic, collecting 13 steals that turned into 20 turnovers. In addition, they blocked five shots.

Having Tatum back will help, especially when trying to contain Banchero and other weapons. Having his weapons at his disposal will benefit the Celtics, allowing them the opportunity to do things they were unable to do last game.

The Celtics will cover the spread if Tatum and Brown can convert on their shooting opportunities, and the entire team can shoot effectively from beyond the arc. Next, their defense must contain Magic and not allow Buncher to beat them.

Final Magic-Celtics Prediction & Pick

The Magic are 22-19-1 against the spread, while the Celtics are 15-24-1 against the odds. Furthermore, the Magic are 9-12 against the spread on the road, while the Celtics are 7-14 against the odds at home. The Magic are 18-13 against the spread when facing the Eastern Conference, while the Celtics are 12-18 against the odds when facing the East.

Magic was very competitive. But can they beat a high-powered Boston team on the road? It’s unlikely. But the Magic were also competitive in most of their games. That’s why I see them barely covering the dirt on the road.

Magic-Celtics Final Predictions and Picks: Orlando Magic: +12.5 (-114)