The Boston Celtics (4-6) and Orlando Magic (4-5) meet in an Eastern Conference battle Sunday evening from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET. 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.
Season series: Magic leads 1-0
The Celtics lost to the Magic on the road 123-110 Friday, failing to cover as a 3.5-point underdog as the Over (226.5) hit. F Jaylen Brown tallied a game-high 32 points for the Celtics, while F Franz Wagner scored 27 points and was among 7 Magic players who hit double figures.
Boston has been streaky this season. It lost its first 3, won its next 3 and has gone 1-3 since. It is 3-7 against the spread (ATS).
The Magic also has immense struggles out of the gate, losing 4 of their first 5 games. They are 3-1 since. Orlando is just 3-6 ATS.
Celtics at Magic odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Magic -150 (bet $150 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +2.5 (-110) | Magic -2.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Celtics at Magic key injuries
Celtics
F Jayson Tatum (achilles) out
Magic
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at Magic picks and predictionsPrediction
Celtics 116, Magic 113
BET CELTICS (+125).
The Magic are just 2-2 straight up and 1-3 ATS at home. Their defense has been far from the dominant unit it was a season ago, allowing 121 or more in 4 games this season.
Boston ranks first in turnover rate (11.5%) and should test that defense. Despite the records, the Celtics have been the better team this season and sit 11th in net rating (2.5), while the Magic (0.1) rank 18th.
Expect a bounce-back game from Boston after losing to Orlando Friday. Take CELTICS (+125).
PASS.
Orlando hasn’t had a game end with a margin of 3 points or fewer this season. Given the predicted outcome and the above note, a play on the moneyline is the better wager.
BET OVER 227.5 (-110).
The Celtics have gone Over in 3 of their last 4 contests, and they have tallied at least 109 points in 7 of 10 games. While these teams rank 12th (Boston) and 13th (Orlando) in defensive rating, neither side is as good as it was a season ago.
With Orlando ranking 11th in pace, it may want to push the tempo as well. The Magic are 4-2 O/U in their last 6 and 2-0 O/U in their last couple of performances. Back OVER 227.5 (-110).
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