The Orlando Magic host the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their first-round series on Friday night.
Boston has a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series after beating Orlando 109-100 on Wednesday.
This matchup has seen a sluggish tempo and hard-nosed defensive play, but my Celtics vs. Magic predictions still think the total is too low.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference playoff clash on April 25.
Who will win Celtics vs Magic Game 3?
The Celtics are 5.5-point favorites for good reason. Despite their main stars struggling in Game 1 and Tatum sitting in Game 2, they still won by a comfortable margin.
With Boston continuing to boast an abundance of depth and experience, the defending champs should pull away.
Celtics vs Magic prediction
My best bet: Over 198.5 (-110 at bet365)
The big question for Game 3 is whether or not All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum will suit up for the Boston Celtics.
Tatum sat out the first playoff contest of his career in Game 2 due to a bone bruise on his right (shooting) wrist. With the Celtics up 2-0 in the series, I wouldn't be surprised if they are extra cautious and sit him again.
Even if Tatum sits out, I think this game eclipses the total of 198.5. The O/U was 205 for Game 1, and while they combined for just 189 points, that was with Boston's trio of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis combining to shoot 15-for-44 from the field (34%).
The total plummeted to 196 for Game 2, and that number was easily cleared by 13 points despite the absence of Tatum and poor 3-point shooting by both sides.
Boston set an NBA record with 17.8 threes per game during the regular season, so expect positive regression from its shooters. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic's team total is just 96.5, which is too low for a team that is desperate and has Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner playing well.
Celtics vs Magic same-game parlay
Over 198.5
Celtics moneyline
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 2.5 rebounds
Boston's big three combined to shoot just 34% from the floor in Game 1, and the Celtics still cruised to a 17-point win. Even without Tatum on Wednesday, they pulled away for a nine-point victory.
Orlando's dynamic duo of Banchero and Wagner have been bringing their A-games, and the Magic still haven't threatened. If they can't win with those guys playing at a high level and Boston's stars underperforming, then I can't back them on the moneyline in any spot.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played 35 minutes in each of the first two games of this series and grabbed four boards in each. He has now pulled down 3+ rebounds in nine of the last 10 contests where he's logged at least 24 minutes.
Orlando desperately needs KCP's experience and perimeter defense, so expect him to keep getting minutes and eclipse his rebound total.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Celtics vs Magic odds
Celtics vs Magic live odds
Celtics vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Boston -6 | Orlando +6
- Moneyline: Boston -230 | Orlando +190
- Over/Under: Over 198.5 | Under 198.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- One of the best bets in the NBA has been backing a home team down 2-0 in a series to cover the first half spread. Books have adjusted to that, and Boston is -1.5 on the 1H spread despite being listed at -5.5 for the full game.
- Orlando is 18-11 ATS as a home favorite this season but is just 4-8-1 ATS as a home underdog.
- Despite often resting key players towards the end of the regular season, the Celtics are 21-3 SU and 14-10 ATS since the start of March.
Celtics vs Magic trend
Boston has gone 32-5 SU as a road favorite this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Magic.
How to watch Celtics vs Magic
| Location | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date | Friday, 4-25-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Celtics vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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