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
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | +500 | +12.5 | 210.5 |
| Boston Celtics | -800 | +12.5 | 210.5 |
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.
The Celtics didn't lose because of the refs, but the Tatum no-calls are a problem. The Celtics should do what the Lakers did with Kobe and send a tape to the league of all the no-calls and force them to start calling these fouls, because it happens far too much, at least four… pic.twitter.com/TuMHonXPrF
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) January 16, 2025
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
NBA
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