Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

NBA Playoff Betting Preview
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
Friday, 7:00PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – Orlando -4.5, O/U 189

Series Tied 1-1

The Boston Celtics were apart of perhaps the greatest opening round series of all time when they overcame the Chicago Bulls in 7 games that had plenty of overtime sessions as well. The Celtics could be on the verge of another back and forth battle in the Conference Semi-Finals match-up with Orlando. The Magic came out looking strong beating the Celtics at TD Northbank Garden in Game 1 95-90. However, things were much different in Game 2 as Boston completely dominated all aspects of the game blowing the Magic out 112-94. However, the series will take another turn as these teams will battle the next two meetings in Orlando. The Magic have played very well all season at home and they will need to take advantage of the home court over the next two games. Orlando really needs to win both games to avoid having to rely on more wins in Boston. However, the Celtics won the only previous meeting earlier this season in Orlando and they will be looking for similar results this Friday night.

On Wednesday night Boston star player Paul Pierce was held to only 3 points, but that did not stop the rest of the Celtics from stepping up and playing great basketball. There was one player in particular by the name of Rajon Rondo who really stepped up his game. Rondo recorded a triple-double on the night with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 18 assists. The Boston point guard played much larger than his 6-1 frame which included a big time dunk in the 3^rd quarter between Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. However, it was not just Rondo who had a big night. Eddie House was the guy who caught the hot hand. House drained all of his 4 attempted 3 pointers leading Boston with 31 points on the night. The huge scoring performance was House’s season best as he became the different maker on Wednesday night. Boston will look for the back court to play big once again this Friday night and hopefully get more help from Paul Pierce who has really played well over the past few weeks despite being off in Game 2.

Orlando had big performances from all their playmakers in Game 1, but they were all mediocre at best in Game 2. Usually the signs are not good when your leading scorer only has 17 points, and that was the case on Wednesday night. However, Orlando will get some restored confidence when they take the floor on their home court this Friday. Perhaps more important than the lack of shots falling for the Magic was how poorly the defense played allowing Boston to score 112 points. Orlando has only allowed 91 points on average this season as they are one of the top defensive units in the league. However, they allowed Boston too many uncontested shots and open looks to the basket in Game 2 and the entire team just looked out of sink. Orlando would be expected to come out firing in Game 3 to make up for their lackluster performance. JJ Redick could be a guy to keep an eye on. Redick posted four 3 pointers in the loss and has started getting a bit more playing time due to his ability to knock down more shots. Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis must be able to get the inside game going and play well. Also, the Magic will be more than happy if they could get Hedo Turkoglu back to posting big numbers after only averaging 12 points throughout the post-season.

Pick – Orlando -4.5