The Boston Celtics (2-0) and Orlando Magic (0-2) will square off in Game 3 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Celtics are 3.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread, with the over/under set at 197 total points. Boston is a -165 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +140 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Friday, April 25.
Celtics vs Magic Prediction, Odds, Picks for NBA Playoffs Game 3
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 197 -110o / -110u | -165 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 197 -110o / -110u | +140 |
- Celtics vs. Magic spread: Celtics -3.5
- Celtics vs. Magic over/under: 197 total points
- Celtics vs. Magic moneyline: Celtics -165, Magic +140
- Celtics vs. Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 3PM (-120)
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)
Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Game 3 Preview, Best Bets
The Celtics covered the spread in the first matchup of this series, and without Jayson Tatum, the Magic squeezed out a narrow cover in the second.
Personally, I don't think Tatum is worth that much to the spread, given that Orlando can't really score. But the Magic's defense is good enough to get a win here at some point.
With the spread listed at Celtics -4.5, and this being the playoffs, I think the moneyline is a more attractive option. 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. However, I like two prop bets for this game instead, and I've parlayed them in the app.
The first is Paolo Banchero over 1.5 three-pointers made. Banchero went 4-for-7 from three-point range in Game 1, and then followed that up with a 2-for-6 performance in Game 2. The volume is there, and it has to be with Paolo being the Magic's primary source of offense.
Banchero is not the greatest three-point shooter in the world, but he's putting up a high volume of attempts, and he (among others in Orlando) must continue to to do this to even try and keep pace with Boston.
The other bet I like in tonight's matchup is also one I played last game, which is Jaylen Brown over 1.5 three-pointers made. With or without Tatum, this is doable for Jaylen. Admittedly, Brown went 0-for-2 with Tatum in Game 1, and then 5-for-7 without him in Game 2. But the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Without Tatum though, 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.
It's also worth nothing that he's averaging 5.5 attempts per game from three-point range without Tatum, putting up 4+ attempts all but once, and 5+ attempts in five of eight.
Celtics vs. Magic Game 3 Best Bet
- Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-120)
Celtics vs. Magic Parlay Picks for Tonight
- Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
Parlay Payout: +160
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Celtics vs. Magic Betting Trends
