Magic vs. Celtics NBA Game Analysis – Expert Betting Pick

Orlando Magic (16-7 SU, 17-6 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (18-5 SU, 9-12 ATS)

When: Friday, December 15th, 7:30 PM (ET)

Where: TD Garden, MA, Boston

TV: NBCS

Point Spread: Orl +5.5/Bos -5.5 (Double your bankroll with a sportsbook promo code!)

Total: 223

Money Line: Orlando Magic +189/-231

Notable Injuries

Magic

• Markelle Fultz (Questionable) Knee
• Wendell Carter Jr. (Out) Finger
• Kevon Harris (Out) Coach’s Decision

Celtics

• Luke Kornet (Questionable) Adductor

Recent Form

In their last ten games, the Magic are 8-2 and come into today’s game against the Celtics with a record of 16-7. At home, the Magic are 11-2 compared to 5-5 on the road.

Coming into today’s game vs. the Magic, the Celtics are above .500 overall at 18-5. In Eastern Conference games, the Celtics are 17-4 compared to 1-1 in non-conference games.

The Historicals

Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the Magic have an average scoring margin of +7 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 5-0. Over the course of these games, they averaged 215 points per game, leading a 1-3-1 over-under record.

Analysis

The Magic offense is coming off a game where they scored 104 points against the Cavaliers. They posted a field goal percentage of 46.4% and connected on 7 threes. So far, three-pointers haven’t been a huge part of Orlando’s offense, as they average just 29.3 attempts per game. Their overall field goal percentage is 47% while averaging 99.4 possessions per contest.

So far, the Magic defense is giving up 108.9 points per contest, which has them sitting 3rd in the NBA. One thing to note is they have given up more points than their season average in six straight matchups.

Most recently, the Magic’s defense put together a solid performance, giving up just 94 points to the Cavaliers.

The Celtics’ offense wrapped up their last game with 116 points, aligning closely with their current season average of 117.3 points per contest. Offensively, the Celtics hold a season-long field goal percentage of 47%, placing them 13th in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 16th in terms of percentage and 2nd in three-pointers made.

Currently, the Celtics’ defense holds the 4th rank in the NBA, allowing 108.9 points per game.

In terms of takeaways, the Celtics are causing 13.1 turnovers per game, ranking 13th in the league. They also enter the matchup ranked 6th in rejections, averaging 6 blocked shots each game.

Betting Trends

• Across their last five road contests, Orlando has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 107 points per game.
• Across the Celtics’ last ten home games, the team averaged 111 points per game while allowing 110. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 2-7-1 while going 5-5 straight-up.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Magic have a strong straight-up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, Boston has a poor record vs the spread, going 1-3-1. But they still put together a straight-up mark of 4-1.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Heading into today’s matchup, the Celtics are favored by 5.5-point at home over the Magic, who are just two games back of the Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams come into this game on winning streaks, and the Magic are actually 8-2 over their last ten. Despite this, I like Boston to exert their will and send a message to the up-start Magic, that they are not quite ready to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference. I’m taking Boston -5.5. Bet your NBA plays and NCAA bowl predictions for FREE by scoring a 50% bonus using a credit card OR a 75% up to $750 bonus using crypto at Bovada Sportsbook! The best bookie on the web for NUMEROUS reasons!