- Get expert betting predictions and analysis for Magic vs. Celtics.
- Boston is -10000 to win this Round 1 matchup.
- The Celtics are 5.5-point favorites for Friday’s Game 3.
The Boston Celtics take their 2-0 series lead down to Florida for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. ET on Friday at the Kia Center.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined in Game 2, Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics by finishing with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Paolo Banchero scored 32 points for the Magic in a losing effort.
Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for the Magic vs. Celtics and my prediction ahead of Friday’s Game 3:
Magic vs. Celtics Odds: Game 3
- Magic spread: +4.5
- Celtics spread: -4.5
- Total: 197.5
Magic vs. Celtics Round 1 Odds
According to the latest NBA betting lines, the Celtics are -10000 to win Round 1 for an implied probability of 99.01%. The Magic are +4000, giving them an implied probability of 2.44%.
Magic series price: +4000
Celtics series price: -10000
Magic vs. Celtics Prediction: Game 3 Best Bet
Based on the updated NBA betting market, Orlando’s first-half moneyline value (+125) is my best bet for Game 3 against Boston.
The once profitable strategy of betting the team down 0-2 at home in the first half of Game 3 might be gone. The odds have adjusted in recent seasons, as evidenced by the Magic being +1.5 in the first half and +5.5 for the full game.
However, the Celtics still might be worth fading in these situations, especially if Tatum remains sidelined. They have had five instances in the past two postseasons where they have won two straight games, only to face a first-half deficit on the road in the following contest:
- 2024 Finals: Mavericks 51, Celtics 50
- 2024 ECF: Pacers 69, Celtics 57
- 2023 ECF: Celtics 57, Heat 53
- 2023 East semis: 76ers 59, Celtics 50
- 2023 Round 1: Hawks 74, Celtics 67
Not all those occasions were in Game 3, but Friday is a prime letdown spot for Boston.
Orlando must steal at least one of these two home games to improve its overall outlook entering the offseason.
Game 3 prediction: Magic 1H moneyline (+125)
Magic vs. Celtics Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sunday, April 20 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, April 23 | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 25 | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 27 | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 5 | Tuesday, April 29 | TBA | TBA |
| Game 6 | Thursday, May 1 | TBA | TBA |
| Game 7 | Saturday, May 3 | TBA | TBA |
Magic vs. Celtics Series History
| Date | Home | Result | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 23 | BOS | BOS 109, ORL 100 | ORL +10 | Over 196 |
| April 20 | BOS | BOS 103, ORL 86 | BOS -12 | Under 205 |
| April 9 | ORL | ORL 96, BOS 76 | ORL -8 | Under 206 |
| Jan. 17 | BOS | BOS 121, ORL 94 | BOS -15 | Over 213.5 |
| Dec. 23 | ORL | ORL 108, BOS 104 | ORL +9.5 | Under 214.5 |
Magic Betting Insights & Trends
Celtics Betting Insights & Trends
When Was the Last Time the Magic Won a Playoff Series?
The Magic haven’t won a playoff series since 2010, when they reached the Eastern Conference finals. Orlando was eliminated in the first round last year.
When Was the Last Time the Celtics Won a Playoff Series?
The Celtics won the championship in 2024, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Boston hasn’t lost in the first round since 2021.
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