The Orlando Magic have been on an unusually hot streak recently, which vaults them into Boston on Friday night. They’ll aim to continue their success against one of the NBA’s best teams.
Let’s determine whether or not Orlando will be able to keep it going by looking at some NBA team stats and how both teams have been doing on the NBA schedule.
The tip-off for this one is set for 7:30 p.m. at TD Garden.
These teams will play one another again on Sunday, and the last of their four-game regular season series will come on January 23. Time to dive in and work toward our Magic vs Celtics prediction.
Surprisingly, this is one of the more interesting NBA matchups.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Matchup Info
- Date: Friday, December 16, 2022
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: TD Garden
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Boston Celtics Performance Recap and Analysis
Since losing to Chicago on November 21, the Celtics (22-7) have won nine of 12. The Celtics sit atop the Eastern Conference and have 1.5 games on the second-place Milwaukee Bucks.
After losses to Golden State on Saturday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, Boston righted the ship against the Lakers, winning 122-118 in overtime on Tuesday.
Celtics’ Schedule
It’s been a smooth ride on the Boston Celtics schedule. Jayson Tatum bucketed 44 points for the Celtics, and Jaylen Brown added another 25.
It was the type of game in which the pendulum swung, as Boston blew a 20-point lead before overcoming a 13-point hole. They return to Massachusetts after a six-game road swing.
Al Horford sat for the fifth game in a row but is expected back this weekend. Robert Williams remains out after his preseason debut. He’s expected to make his season debut soon.
Key Injuries
In fact, Williams is planning on getting back into the swing of things in this matchup. Horford’s issue is a personal matter, and power forward Danilo Gallinari is out with a knee ailment.
Betting Trends to Know
The Celtics are 17-11-1 against the spread and 15-13-1 this go-round. They’ve been solid at home, too, going 11-2.
Orlando Magic Performance Recap and Analysis
Orlando (9-20) had won almost as many in its previous four outings as it had in its first 25. This four-game win streak has included triumphs over the Clippers, Toronto, and Atlanta — all at home.
They beat the Hawks 135-124, thanks in part to a franchise-record 50 points in the initial frame. Franz Wagner ended up with 24 points, while Bol Bol had 21.
Magic Stats
Along with the impressive Orlando Magic stats, this is the Magic’s first four-game win streak since the first four contests of the 2020-21 campaign. The eight players that scored in double figures tied a franchise record.
Key Injuries
Orlando has a number of players out, including forwards:
- Chuma Okeke (knee)
- Jonathan Isaac (knee)
- Wendell Carter Jr. (foot).
- Guards Gary Harris (hamstring)
- Jalen Suggs (ankle)
Are also on the bench for now.
Betting Trends to Know
The Magic are 14-14-1 against the spread and 1-11 on the road. Trends will have to change if they’re to continue their tear.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Odds
Let’s check out the NBA odds before buckling down on our Magic vs Celtics prediction.
NBA odds have the host Celtics listed as heavy favorites, which is understandable with how successful they’ve been this year but somewhat surprising with how their guests have been performing lately. Boston is -110 to cover -13, while the Magic are the same to cover the spread.
On the money line, the Celtics are -950, while Orlando is a +640 underdog. The total is set at 228 points, with the over and under both down at -110.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Betting Picks
- Moneyline
While the Magic have been doing well, Boston has been a force most of this season. Take Boston.
NBA Pick: Celtics (-1000)
- Total
Orlando has been dumping the ball in adeptly, according to NBA player stats, so expect this one to be a high-scoring affair. Take the over.
NBA Pick: Over 228 (-110)
- Spread
Take the Magic to cover the spread. It could be close, but 13 points is a lot to cover.
NBA Pick: Magic +13 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Score Prediction
Our Magic vs Celtics prediction has the Celtics beating the Magic 117-113.
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