The Magic and Celtics are set to face off at 7:30 ET on NBCS. The Celtics will host the game at TD Garden in Boston, MA. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 223 points, and the Celtics are favored to win at home against the Magic.

ORLANDO MAGIC VS BOSTON CELTICS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Orlando Magic +5.5

This game will be played at TD Garden at 7:30 ET on Friday, December 15th.

WHY BET THE ORLANDO MAGIC:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 112-107 in favor of the Celtics.
  • Our projections have Jayson Tatum finishing with Jayson Tatum points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
  • From the field, we have the Celtics finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.8% and knocking down 16 threes.

Will the Magic Pull Through as the Away Underdog?

As the Magic prepare to face the Celtics, they are aiming to add to their 16-7 record. In their 23 games, the Magic have gone 11-4 against Eastern Conference teams compared to 5-3 in non-conference games.

The Magic are riding a two game ATS win streak and currently possess an overall ATS record of 17-6. The Magic currently have a two game ATS win streak as the favorite and are 9-5 vs. the spread as underdogs.

The Magic’s offense, in their latest game, managed to score just 104 points versus the Cavaliers. During the game, they attempted 26 three-point shots and had a field goal percentage of 46.4%. Paolo Banchero led the scoring for the Magic, contributing 20 points. Additionally, Franz Wagner chipped in with 19 points.

At present, the Magic’s defense is ranked 3rd, allowing 108.9 points per game.

Orlando’s defense is currently forcing 14.3 turnovers per game, which is 25th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 12th in blocked shots, with an average of 5.6 rejections per game.

Will Boston Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Coming into today’s game, the Celtics are 18-5 overall and are in the middle of a three game winning streak. At home, Boston is 12-0 compared to 6-5 on the road.

Boston comes in with an overall ATS record of 9-12 so far this season. When playing on the road, the Celtics hold an ATS record of 2-8 in contrast to a 7-4 record against the spread when playing at home.

The Celtics’ offense wrapped up their last game with 116 points, aligning closely with their current season average of 117.3 points per contest. Up to this point, the Celtics’ offense has been efficient inside the arc, posting a two-point field goal percentage of 57%. In terms of pace, they are 22nd in the NBA possessions per game (98).

So far this season, the Celtics defense has been performing well, ranking 4th in the NBA at 108.9 points allowed per contest.

Opponents are hitting 50.2% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 36.6% of their three-point attempts.