The Celtics have won just two of their last three games, but they’ll look to get back on track with a visit from the struggling Magic.
My Magic vs. Celtics predictions expect a low-scoring game at TD Garden. Read my NBA picks to see why you should take the Under on tonight’s point total.
Magic vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Under 212.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Both of these teams are among the top in percentage of games that hit the Under this season. The Orlando Magic are 17-25 to the Under, and the Boston Celtics are 17-22-1. The Under has hit in six of the last seven head-to-head meetings, including this season’s 108-104 victory for Orlando at Kia Center.
Orlando’s offense has been among the league’s worst for the last two seasons, thanks in large part to a slow pace of play, defense-focused gameplan, limited three-point shooting and numerous key injuries to capable scorers. This season, it’s been the same old song and dance.
Orlando ranks last in points per game scored this season at a paltry 104.5, while Boston ranks fourth at 117.5. Over the last 10, the Magic have struggled mightily, and they are the only team to average fewer than 100 points (97.6). The Celtics have fallen to 15th in that span at 113.2. If these teams continue those low-scoring trends, they’ll combine for just 210.8 points.
On the season, the Magic rank second in defensive rating at 106.9, and the Celtics are sixth at 109.9. The Magic rank last in pace, and the Celtics aren’t far behind at 24th. This should be a slow game with a below-average number of possessions and strong defensive play from both teams. I’ll take the Under with confidence.
Magic vs Celtics same-game parlay
Under 212.5
Paolo Banchero Over 3.5 turnovers
Celtics -14.5
There’s been no runway for Orlando’s star forward. Due to numerous key injuries, he’s been forced to handle a monster workload since returning from a multi-month absence. No player has had a higher usage rate than Paolo Banchero’s 42.9 over the last three games. In that span, he’s averaged 69.3 touches and 5.3 turnovers, coughing it up four times or more twice.
On the season, he’s turned it over at least four times in four of eight games and finished with three turnovers in two more. He’ll have the ball in his hands a ton tonight, and Boston’s defense is elite. I’ll take the Over.
This spread is massive, but the Celtics’ injury report is surprisingly clean, and Orlando is scraping the barrel of the roster. The frontcourt is decimated with injuries, and Orlando’s already-flailing offense will once again be without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Boston can make it rain from three, and Orlando’s defense is exploitable on the perimeter.
I expect the more talented and healthy roster to get it done at home, particularly after giving up a fourth-quarter lead and losing to this Magic squad in Orlando earlier in the season.
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Magic vs Celtics odds
Magic vs Celtics live odds
Magic vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Orlando +14.5 (-110) | Boston -14.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Orlando +750 | Boston -1200
- Over/Under: Over 212.5 (-110) | Under 212.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Orlando has won and covered just four times over the last 10 games, bringing the team’s record to 23-19 straight up and 22-19-1 ATS.
- Boston is 4-5-1 ATS over the last 10 games and just 15-24-1 on the season.
- The Magic have hit the Under in three of the last 10 and in 25 of 42 games overall.
- The Celtics are 1-4 to the Under across their last five and 17-22-1 to the Under this season.
Magic vs Celtics trend
Orlando has won and covered in five of the last seven head-to-head matchups with Boston. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Celtics.
How to watch Magic vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date: | Friday, 1-17-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSN, NBCSB |
Magic vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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