Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Picks - NBA
USA - NBA
Prediction:
Magic (+13.5) cover the spread
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by Paul Tamayo | in NBA Picks
The Orlando Magic visit the Boston Celtics for Game 1 of their 2025 first-round playoff matchup on April 20, Sunday, at the TD Garden.
Interestingly, the Magic won its regular season series with the Celtics, 2-1. The Celtics did rest all of their starters in their most recent April 9 matchup, with the Magic taking a 96-76 victory in that game. Still, it's a morale booster for a Magic team that enters this matchup as underdogs to the defending champions.
The Magic finished the regular season 27th in offensive rating (109.4). But it is on defense that they do their damage. This Jamahl Mosley-led squad ranks 2nd in defensive rating (109.6), a formula that helped them win six of their last seven games. During that impressive span, the Magic further improved their defensive rating to 108.4.
Of course, this Magic defense will face a litmus test against a strong Celtics offense. The Celtics still have the 2nd-best offensive rating in the league (120.6) and there's only so much you can do against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics are still the favorites to win this game, but the Magic's Top 2 defense could make things very interesting.
Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Form
Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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Boston Celtics against Orlando Magic : Head to Head (H2H)
50 %
50 %
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Players list
J. Holiday
D. White
C. Joseph
K. Caldwell-Pope
F. Wagner
P. Banchero
Substitutes
B. Scheierman
J. Davison
P. Pritchard
X. Tillman
T. Craig
J. Walsh
G. Harris
C. Anthony
A. Black
T. da Silva
C. Houstan
J. Isaac
Boston Celtics - Orlando Magic Key Points
- The Magic won its regular season series against the Celtics, 2-1.
- The Magic owns the 2nd-best defensive rating in the league (109.6).
- The Magic has won six of their last seven games.
- In the last seven games, the Magic improved their defensive rating to 108.4.
Our Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Celtics head into the playoffs with a healthy roster, which is scary for Eastern Conference contenders. Jaylen Brown, who missed the last three games due to a knee injury, is ready to go for Game 1 against the Magic.
However, they're facing a defensive-minded Magic squad with nothing to lose. Expect a thrilling first match between these two teams, with the Magic possibly keeping the game close. Our prediction for the Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic match is: Magic (+13.5) cover the spread.Prediction:
Magic (+13.5) cover the spread
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
