Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Game 3 Picks, Predictions & Odds

• The Boston Celtics are a 4.5-point road favorite in Game 3 of their 1st round series vs the Orlando Magic
• The Celtics won 109-100 in a rougher Game 2 contest.
• See my Celtics vs Magic Game 3 picks, predictions and odds on April 25

The scene shifts to Orlando on Friday, when the Magic (1-1 ATS) continue their first round NBA Playoff series at home against the Boston Celtics (1-1 ATS). In Game 1, the Celtics cruised by the Magic 103-86. Game 2 was closer as Orlando got within six in the fourth quarter before the Celtics pulled away. The books are leaning towards the road team in Game 3, which starts at 7:00pm ET from Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, with ESPN/ESPN+ carrying the broadcast in the United States and TSN in Canada.

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Picks

• Celtics -4.5 (-112)
• Over 198 points (-108)

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Despite the two losses in Boston, Orlando figures to put up its toughest challenge yet against the Boston Celtics on Friday night. For what it is worth, Orlando shot better from two-point range but that 24.1% stinker from beyond the arc has to improve in Game 3. Orlando played a solid road game but could not make a dent in that 10-point gap heading into the fourth quarter on Wednesday.

Boston continues to roll along. Without Tatum in Game 2, the Celtics got to the foul line attempting 33 shots and making 25. Orlando only made 15 of 24 (62.5%) That +10 difference at the charity stripe was the difference in the contest. The Celtics held a +7 advantage from the free throws attempted standpoint in Game 1. Expect that to continue in Game 3. Foul shooting figures to make a difference and why I like Boston in Game 3 for the cover.

In the regular season, Boston averaged 116.3 points per contest compared to 105.4 for Orlando. The Magic have been able to slow down the Celtics but not enough. On the flip side, Orlando showed some more offense in Game 2 which could be a harbinger of things to come on Friday night. Orlando may be able to put together one or two good quarters of offense which should be enough to push the total close to the projected of 215.2

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Predictions

Although Game 3 is in Orlando, let us take a look at what has gone on in the first two contests below.

Celtics vs Magic Postseason Matchup

In this Celtics vs Magic matchup, our SBD formula indicates this game will be closer than the previous two. Boston won in the formula by a score of 111 to 104.2 over Orlando. That tilts toward Boston covering the 4.5 point spread and the over 198 point total connecting. The -205 odds has an implied win probability of 67.21% for the road team. Despite the number above, most have even more faith in the cover with 71% of the betting dollars and 70% of the money action going the way of Boston.

It’s essential to note that all of this could change especially if Jayson Tatum does not play at all. With the venue shift, numbers could shift wildly right before the opening tip. Please keep this in mind especially for live betting as well.

Celtics vs Magic Odds

Odds as of April 25 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before making a wager on any NBA game on Friday.

The Celtics are 4.5-point road favorites in the NBA odds, including a -205 on the moneyline. The Magic are now +172 underdogs after being +180 on Thursday night, with the total clocking in at 198 points.

Both teams are not healthy entering Game 3, with Orlando clearly missing Moritz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. The only real concern for Boston is Jayson Tatum. Tatum played in Game 1 but did not in Game 2. Again, he is a game-time decision for Friday night. Jaylen Brown went off for 36 points on Wednesday, easing the fears of Celtics Nation for one night. However, the thought process leans into the notion that Tatum will give this a go.

The Celtics rank second in the NBA Championship odds at +195, while the Magic are a +150000 longshot over at DraftKings.