Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle | Staff Writer

The Boston Celtics (12-3) and Orlando Magic (10-5) meet in the group stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament Friday. Tip from Amway Center is set for 2:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Celtics vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Orlando won 3-1 last season

The Magic beat the Denver Nuggets at home 124-119 Wednesday, covering as 3-point underdogs. Orlando is 12-3 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 5-1 ATS at home. It is led by former No. 1 overall pick F Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 19.4 points per game.

The Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks at home Wednesday 119-116, failing to cover as 6-point favorites. Boston is 6-7-2 ATS on the season and 2-5-2 ATS on the road. It has failed to cover in 4 straight games. The Celtics are led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 27.9 points per game.

Celtics at Magic odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:04 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Magic +168 (bet $100 to win $168)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -5 (-108) | Magic +5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 224 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Magic key injuries

Celtics

F Jaylen Brown (adductor) questionable
G Jrue Holiday (ankle) probable

Magic

C Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) out
G Markelle Fultz (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Celtics at Magic picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 113, Magic 109

Moneyline

PASS.

The Celtics (-200) have won 3 of their last 4 road games and sit atop the Eastern Conference. However, at -200, there's no value to bet them to win outright.

Against the spread

BET MAGIC +5 (-112).

The Celtics are 1-3 ATS over their last 4 road games and 0-4 ATS over their last 4 games in general. On the other hand, the Magic are 5-0 ATS over their last 5.

The Celtics and Magic are 2nd and 3rd in defensive rating, respectively, so this should be a close, low-scoring battle. Orlando has covered its last 3 home games, which have been against other top teams like Denver and Milwaukee.

Given the trends, take MAGIC +5 (-112).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 224 (-110).

Both teams have top defenses and should be able to limit the other. Boston is 1-7-1 O/U over its last 9 games and has held 5 of its last 7 opponents to 110 or fewer.

The Magic are 7-8 O/U and 3-2 O/U over their last 5. They have held 3 of their last 5 opponents to 110 or fewer. The strong defenses and season-long trends for both sides suggest fewer points.

Take UNDER 224 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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