Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 3 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
The Boston Celtics are likely down a key player as they head to The Magic City for Game 3 with the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Boston was without forward Jayson Tatum (wrist) in their Game 2 victory and the superstar is listed as doubtful for Friday at Orlando. The Celtics overcame the absence of Tatum with a 109-100 victory in Game 2, making Friday a pivotal swing game. If the Magic can take advantage of both home court and a Tatum-less Celtics team, we’ve got a series. But if Boston is able to cruise like they did in a worry-free Game 2, a sweep is in the cards.
Tip-off at Kia Center is set for 7 p.m. EDT with the Celtics a 4.5-point favourite on the spread and the over-under at 197.5 on the NBA odds.
Celtics vs. Magic NBA Betting Odds
Game 2 saw an uptick in scoring with both teams reaching 100 points, and the over cashing. Despite the 209 total points on Wednesday, Game 3’s over-under is still below the 200 mark. This is again a meeting of the NBA’s top two defences in points allowed this season, and seven of their last 10 clashes have finished under the total. Also of note, Orlando is 5-0 ATS in their last five times hosting Boston. The Celtics are still 5-2 straight up in their last seven visits to play the Magic.
The Celtics are currently -10,000 to win the series, and +200 to win the NBA Finals. A Boston sweep is listed at -115 odds, with the Magic coming back to win the series put at +4000 odds.
Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown stepped up on Wednesday, delivering a game-high 36 points in Boston’s Game 2 win. Without Tatum in the lineup, veteran Al Horford got bumped up into the starting lineup and the Celtics put together a well-rounded performance we’ve become accustomed to. Kristaps Porzingis reached a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Derrick White finished with another 17 points after a breakout Game 1 performance. The scoring from Payton Pritchard off the bench has been a true difference-maker, as the guard dropped another 14 points in Game 2. Boston out-rebounded the Magic 46-34 in the win as well.
If Tatum can’t go Friday, the Celtics will get a true test on the road. A Game 3 win would silence any questions about how legitimate this Boston squad is if they’re without a star, and put a real gauge on just how realistic a championship repeat is for the Celtics.
Orlando Magic
It’s become clear the Magic only have a shot in this series if they receive additional scoring outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The duo combined for 57 points in Game 2’s loss, two points shy of their combined total in Game 1. Banchero and Wagner have well over 50 per cent of Orlando’s points in the playoffs. Orlando’s bench has contributed a total of 34 points through the first two games of this series.
The lack of scoring is no surprise though as this Magic team is without both Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner due to injury. No Orlando player this season averaged double-digit points per game outside of Banchero, the Wagner brothers, and Suggs. Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in with 16 points in Game 2, but Orlando needs help from the likes of Cole Anthony and Anthony Black coming off the bench.
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