The Boston Celtics (2-0) and Orlando Magic (0-2) will meet in Game 3 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Celtics are 4.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Celtics -4.5), with the over/under set at 197.5 total points. Boston is a -200 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +165 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Friday, April 25.
Celtics vs. Magic Game 3 Picks, Prediction
My Magic vs. Celtics Game 3 best bet is on Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-120)
Celtics vs. Magic Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 197.5 -110o / -110u | -200 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 197.5 -110o / -110u | +165 |
- Celtics vs. Magic spread: Celtics -4.5
- Celtics vs. Magic over/under: 197.5 total points
- Celtics vs. Magic moneyline: Celtics -200, Magic +165
- Celtics vs. Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 3PM (-120)
Celtics vs. Magic Game 3 Preview
The Celtics covered the spread Game 1, and without Jayson Tatum, the Magic squeezed out a narrow cover in Game 2.
I don't think Tatum is worth that much to the spread, given that Orlando just can't really score. But their defense is good enough to get a win here at some point.
With the spread listed at 4.5, and this being the playoffs, I think the moneyline is more attractive. That said, I'd want better odds than +170 to bet Orlando straight up.
Maybe Tatum's confirmation pushes this number closer to +200, and if so, I'd still consider betting the Magic live, at least in Game 3.
Celtics vs. Magic Betting Predictions
I like two prop bets for this game, and I've parlayed them in the app.
The first is Paolo Banchero over 1.5 three-pointers made. In Game 1, Banchero went 4-for-7 from three in Game 1, and followed up to hit 2-for-6 in Game 2. The volume is there, and it has to be as the Magic's far and away primary source of offense.
Banchero is not the greatest three-point shooter in the world, but he's getting the attempts up, and he — among others in Orlando — must to do this to even try and keep pace with Boston.
The other bet I like is one I played last game, Jaylen Brown over 1.5 three-pointers made. With or without Tatum, this is doable.
Admittedly, Brown went just 0-for-2 with Tatum in Game 1, and then 5-for-7 in Game 2 without him, but the truth is somewhere in the middle. Without Tatum, Brown's three-point prop doesn't require much explanation.
It's worth noting that without Tatum this season (including Game 2), Brown has gone over 1.5 makes from deep in three of eight instances, but it's three in a row now.
Additionally, he's averaging 5.5 attempts per game from three-point range without Tatum, shooting 4+ all but once, and shooting 5+ in five of eight.
Celtics vs. Magic Best Bet for Game 3
- Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-120)
Celtics vs. Magic Parlay Picks
- Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
Parlay Payout: +160
Magic vs. Celtics Betting Trends
