The Boston Celtics (28-12) and Orlando Magic (23-19) will meet in the NBA this Friday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Celtics are 14.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread, with the over/under set at 213.5 total points. Boston is a -1100 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +700 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Friday, January 17.
Magic vs. Celtics Picks, Prediction
Spread
I'm taking the Magic to cover the spread tonight. The line is far too wide in favor of a team in Boston who has only covered in seven of 21 games at home, which is fourth-worst in the league, as we just discussed on Buckets.
The Magic have a real structure and culture. It's as if, regardless of who is out there, they're going to defend their tails off and be competitive more often than not.
The big injuries are Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, who will be sidelined tonight, but the recently returned Paolo Banchero will play, and makes a huge difference for this squad.
Moneyline
Boston is 7-14 ATS at home, but 14-7 straight up.
I'm passing on the moneyline with this being a Magic-or-nothing spot given how heavily favored Boston is.
Over/Under
As much as I want to lean Under, 213 is just too low. So, I'll pass on the total.
My Pick: Magic +14.5 (-110)
Magic vs. Celtics Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 213.5 -110 / -110 | +700 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 213.5 -110 / -110 | -1100 |
- Magic vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -14.5
- Magic vs. Celtics over/under: 213.5 total points
- Magic vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -1100, Magic +700
- Magic vs. Celtics best bet: Magic +14.5
My Celtics vs. Magic best bet is on Orlando to cover the spread as a steep road underdog (+14.5), 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.
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Predictions, Preview
Along with Magic +14.5, I'll play Paolo Banchero Over 10.5 Rebounds + Assists.
Orlando's offense will almost entirely run through Banchero, and because of that, I'm expecting an uptick in assists, given Boston's defensive pressure and the need for Orlando to shoot well.
Banchero went Over this number in four of his last five games leading up to his injury, and now one of his last three since then.
However, he's landed on 10 Rebounds + Assists exactly twice, so he's basically always sniffing this over.
The Celtics allow the eighth-most rebounds per 100 possessions, and with Suggs and Wagner out, Banchero will likely have even more playmaking responsibilities tonight.
Best Bet: Magic +14.5 (-110)
Celtics vs. Magic Parlay Picks
- Magic +14.5
- Paolo Banchero Over 10.5 Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +195
Celtics vs. Magic Betting Trends
- 53% of bets and 55% of the money are on the Magic to cover the spread
- 94% of bets and 48% of the money on the moneyline are on the Celtics to win outright
- 84% of bets and 86% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NBA public betting & money percentages page.
