NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions
The seventh-seeded Orlando Magic and the second-seeded Boston Celtics open a best-of-7 first-round playoff series Sunday. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Regular-season series: Magic won 2-1
The Celtics closed out their regular season with a 93-86 home win over the Charlotte Hornets last Sunday (April 13), failing to cover as 10.5-point favorites. They finished the season second in the Eastern Conference and atop the Atlantic Division. Boston has covered in 8 of its last 13 games and went 38-43-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season.
The Magic finished as the seventh seed in the conference and won their play-in battle against the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 Tuesday night. They covered as 6-point favorites. Orlando won 5 of its last 6 games to close the regular season, going 4-2 ATS. It finished its season 40-41-1 ATS.
Magic at Celtics odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Magic +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Celtics -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
: Magic +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Celtics -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100) Against the spread : Magic +13.5 (-110) | Celtics -13.5 (-110)
: Magic +13.5 (-110) | Celtics -13.5 (-110) Over/Under (O/U): 205.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Magic at Celtics key injuries
Magic
G Jalen Suggs (knee) out for season
(knee) out for season F Mo Wagner (knee) out for season
Celtics
None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Magic at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 107, Magic 101
PASS.
There's no playable moneyline option. The Celtics (-1000) are far too expensive to take, while the Magic (+650) aren't worth the risk either.
BET MAGIC +13.5 (-110).
The Magic have covered 4 of their last 5 games overall and are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 as underdogs. Orlando has allowed 106 or fewer points in 10 of its last 13 games, so it should defend well enough to keep things close.
The Celtics haven't been incredible as sizable favorites, going 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games as double-digit favorites. They are just 3-5 ATS in their last 8 games at home too. Considering those trends, back MAGIC +13.5 (-110).
BET OVER 205.5 (-110).
Both teams have scored well as of late. The Celtics closed out the regular season scoring at least 119 points in 4 of their last 6 games.
The Magic put up 120 points on Atlanta Tuesday and have scored at least 119 in 3 of their last 5 games. They are 4-3 O/U in their last 7 contests. Back OVER 205.5. (-110).
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