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Expert prediction

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 17)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Jan 16, 2025 at 5:51 AM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Magic vs. Celtics game puts the No.5 and the No.2. seed in the NBA Eastern Conference.
  • Orlando is the No.1 defense in the NBA.
  • Boston Celtics have the fifth-best offense in the NBA and the No.6 defense.

Although the Orlando Magic lack Franz Wagner, the team is still playing solid basketball. That’s because of their fantastic defense, which keeps them alive. On the other side are the Boston Celtics, who are the reigning NBA champions and the biggest favorites for this year’s title.

Check out: Timberwolves vs. Knicks Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 17)

How To Watch

  • When: Friday, January 17, 8 pm ET
  • Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
  • How To Watch: ESPN

NBA Regular Season Odds

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Orlando Magic+500+12.5210.5
Boston Celtics-800+12.5210.5
*waiting for the odds to be updated

Game Preview

The Magic allow 103.2 points per game and have the No.1 defense in the NBA. Without Franz Wagner, they needed to find a way to adapt to the new circumstances, and increasing the defensive pressure was an effective method.

Orlando lost three of the previous four, and to make it even worse, most of those events took place at home. The most recent of their matches was in Milwaukee, where the Bucks trashed the guests from Florida, 122-93.

Boston oscillates a lot, and the previous six of their games saw them subsequently win and lose. The most recent defeat came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors in Canada. The final score of that one was 110-97 for the hosts.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum scored 26 points combined and shot 9-for-35, which, in the end, happened to be the biggest reason for the loss. The Cs are still second in the East with 28 wins and 12 defeats.

Magic vs. Celtics Head to Head

The Magic beat the Celtics in their first meeting of the year. Back then, Orlando beat the champions 108-104.

Check out: Commanders vs. Lions NFC Divisional Round Preview, Odds, Prediction

Magic vs. Celtics Prediction

The Celtics need a win here to stabilize. Orlando is a good team, but to be frank, they don’t stand a chance against the Celtics at the TD Garden. Because of that, we bet on the Boston Celtics to triumph.

  • Free NBA pick: Boston Celtics -5.5

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