Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

NBA Playoffs Betting Preview
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
Thursday, 7:00PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – Orlando -7, O/U 190

Boston leads series 3-2

The Boston Celtics were able to capitalize off the home court advantage and take down the Orlando Magic in a close 92-88 victory. The Celtics victory allowed them to take control in the series 3-2. Orlando now gets the opportunity to host the Celtics on their home floor this Thursday night in attempt to get the series back square and to force a Game 7. Boston has battled back to win the last two games after being down 1-2 to Orlando after Game 3. The Celtics have pulled off two straight very close defeats and will have the chance to win the series this Thursday night. The Magic are expected to put together their best effort at home which is why they will enter the contest as 7 point favorites. Orlando has struggled shooting the ball over the last two nights averaging 41% from the floor. Orlando must get a strong effort from all their shooters this Thursday and not allow Boston the opportunity to keep the game close.

Orlando has failed to win the battle on the boards over the last two games which have also led to two straight losses. Dwight Howard has a strong reputation for dominating the glass and rightfully so consider he has averaged 16 rebounds throughout the playoffs. However, that still does not change the fact that Orlando as a team has not been winning the battle among the glass. The team that has won the rebounding aspect of the game has also been the winner in the last 4 games. The Magic also need someone to step up on the offensive side of the floor and have a big night. Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard have both had their bright moments. Howard has been the most consistent scoring threat, but Orlando has failed to have any player with a really huge performance. Orlando needs somebody to catch the hot hand this Thursday night and take some pressure off the rest of the starters. JJ Redick has gotten more playing time with his ability to shoot the 3 ball, but after only 3 points in Game 5 his back is against the wall. Hedo Turkoglu has not shot the ball as well as he did during the season and Orlando could definitely benefit from one of these players having a big night.

Boston has been apart of some great battles during the playoffs. If you are a Celtics fan, you have probably been holding your breath all throughout the post-season. Boston battled 7 games with Chicago is possibly the most exciting opening series in history. The Celtics then turned around and were beaten the first 2 out of 3 games against Orlando. Boston has definitely not been over powering throughout the playoffs, but the defending champions have done everything needed at the right times. The Celtics likely will come out the gates firing Thursday night as they can sense the opportunity is there to take the series. The Celtics defense will be the most important aspect in Game 6 to follow. They must keep Orlando off the offensive boards and not allow any uncontested shots. If the Celtics defense can wear down Orlando, you would definitely like the Celtics chances in a close ending game as they have just been very clutch down the stretch. Paul Pierce has come on strong in the closing weeks at the right time for Boston. There have been quite a few scenarios where Pierce has put the team on his back in key moments during the ball games and his shooting has definitely been back on the upswing after some lackluster performances in the 2nd half of the regular season. Pierce and his 22 point playoff average will try and get the Celtics to come together and finish off Orlando on Thursday night.

Pick – Boston +7