- Get betting expert betting predictions and analysis for Magic vs. Celtics.
- Boston is -5000 to win this Round 1 matchup.
- The Celtics are 14.5-point favorites for Sunday’s Game 1.
The Boston Celtics (61-21) will begin their title defense with a first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic (41-41). Game 1 is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday on ABC.
Orlando won the season series against Boston, securing two victories in three regular-season games. However, the Celtics are significant favorites for a reason, laying -14.5 points in the opener and being -10000 to win the series.
Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for the Magic vs. Celtics and my prediction ahead of Sunday’s Game 1:
Magic vs. Celtics Odds: Game 1
- Magic spread: +13.5
- Celtics spread: -13.5
- Total: 205.5
Magic vs. Celtics Round 1 Odds
According to the latest NBA betting lines, the Celtics are -5000 to win Round 1 for an implied probability of 98.04%. The Magic are +1600, giving them an implied probability of 5.88%.
Magic series price: +1600
Celtics series price: -5000
Magic vs. Celtics Prediction: Game 1 & Series Best Bet
Based on the updated NBA betting market, my favorite prediction for this Magic vs. Celtics matchup is for Boston to earn a 4-1 series win (+190).
The Celtics are +125 to sweep, suggesting that is the most likely outcome. However, the over on 4.5 games is -150, indicating that this series could end on Boston’s home floor in Game 5.
That’s my favorite way to play this series, especially since the Magic have challenged the Celtics so fiercely. Orlando’s defensive identity demands that opposing teams be focused for 48 minutes, which may be a tough ask for a Boston team with its sights set on a deep playoff run.
Boston led the league in 3-pointers and 3-point attempts this season, so I could see Orlando pulling off one upset if the shots aren’t falling for the defending champions.
Jaylen Brown is also dealing with a knee injury that required him to receive injections before the playoff run.
I find it difficult to see the Magic making this series too competitive, but a gentleman’s sweep feels appropriate based on where these two teams are right now.
Series prediction: Celtics to win series 4-1 (+190)
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 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Game 6 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Game 7 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Magic vs. Celtics Series History
| Date | Home | Result | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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