NBA Playoff Betting Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics G4
 #2 Orlando Magic |
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 #4 Boston Celtics |
Boston Leads Series 3-0
With a commanding 3-0 series lead in tote, the Boston Celtics will head into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in NBA playoff betting action on Monday night against the Orlando Magic. The C’s captured Game 3 in dominating fashion, winning 94-71 in a game that was never in doubt from the opening tip. This is the first time that the Magic have had their backs to the wall since the NBA Finals a year ago.
Unfortunately for HC Stan Van Gundy, about the only thing that he can tell his team to do that would help in Game 4 in Boston is to shoot better. Right now, that’s the biggest problem that the Magic have. They only shot 36.9 percent from the field once again on Saturday night, marking the third straight game under 40.0 percent shooting. Offensive rebounding is becoming a big issue as well, as Orlando only had three o-boards the entire game against the C’s in Game 3. C Dwight Howard looks like he has just mentally checked out of this series. He only scored seven points in Game 3 without being in any sort of foul trouble. With Howard and F Rashard Lewis (5.0 PPG) struggling in this series, the Magic really don’t stand a chance of becoming the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win.
Of all the people to come up with a great game for Boston in Game 3… F Glen Davis scored 17 points to lead a pack of six Celtics that scored in double digits on the night. F Kevin Garnett had his first double digit scoring effort of the series with ten points in 24 minutes of action. G Rajon Rondo continued with his great postseason in Game 3 when he logged a double-double with 11 points and 12 assists. The Kentucky product is now averaging 17.3 points and 10.7 assists per game in the playoffs. F Paul Pierce is still leading all scorers on the team with 17.4 points per game.
The bottom line here: Orlando has no interest in playing the final game in this series. Just as the Magic disposed of Atlanta with ease in a very unemotional Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, we expect to see the Celtics do the same on Monday night. Even though we have to lay a huge number by playoff standards, it is fairly clear that this is the right thing to do in Game 4 as Boston marches on to the NBA Finals for the second time in the L/3 years.
Selection: Boston Celtics -7 at Diamond Sportsbook
Boston has now covered four straight spreads in this NBA betting rivalry dating back to the regular season. DSI is your official betting home of the Eastern Conference Finals. Sign up for an account today!
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