Magic vs. Celtics Prediction and Odds: Tatum Doubtful For Game 2 With A Wrist Injury

The NBA’s Wednesday night playoff schedule tips off. Paolo Banchero’s Orlando Magic will try to level his Eastern Conference first round series against Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $250 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

For the best NBA game previews, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season! New sports bettors supporting their hometown Boston Celtics can take advantage of the top Massachusetts sportsbook promos and bonuses before their matchup against the Orlando Magic tips off!

The Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics got off to a competitive start in Game 1 despite the reigning champions pulling away to win by 17 points. Paolo Banchero was brilliant in his first match, putting up 36 points. On the other end, star Celtics Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined to shoot 38.8% while combining for 33 points. Game 2 tips off at 7:00 PM EST at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds

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Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Orlando Magic +10.5 (-108) at FanDuel

Game 2 presents an interesting opportunity for new and experienced sports bettors. The Orlando Magic were competitive through most of Game 1 but couldn’t keep up on offense through the second half. The Magic need a more complete performance to take down Boston, and a hobbled Tatum may present the right opportunity for success. While the Celtics’ potent offense is a cause for concern, expect the Magic to refocus on defense and rediscover the form that saw them cover the spread in two meetings against Boston this season.

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Orlando Magic Preview

The Magic impressed for much of their Game 1 performance but ultimately fell short against the reigning champions. When they take the court for Game 2, expect the Magic to readjust on the defensive side of the ball rather than trying to keep up with Boston’s scoring pace.

Orlando looked competitive in the first half of Game 1, earning a one-point lead while shooting 44.4% from the field. But they couldn’t maintain their shooting in the second half, and their defense couldn’t contain the Celtics. Wagner and Banchero combined for 68.6% of the team’s scoring output, so the Magic will need more from their role players to level the series.

The Orlando Magic have been a coin toss against the spread this season, posting a 41-42-1 ATS Record, ranking them 15th in the NBA. This season, they have a 49.4% cover percentage, a 0.0 margin of victory, and a -0.9 ATS +/-. In Game 1, the Magic failed against the spread, total, and moneyline.

All eyes were on Paolo Banchero in his first game of the series, and he didn’t disappoint. In 42 minutes, Banchero produced 36 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four threes on 51.9% shooting. Orlando will hope their role players can step up their game, but Banchero’s success against the Boston defense bodes well for Orlando as the series wears on.

Regarding the Orlando Magic injury report, Jalen Suggs (knee) and Moritz Wagner (ACL) are out for the season.

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Boston Celtics Preview

The reigning champion Boston Celtics got off to a solid start in their championship defense. Despite their star men falling short in the scoring department, the depth and offensive threat that the Celtics’ bench provided won them the match.

As expected, the Celtics’ three-point shooting won them Game 1, hitting 16 threes on 43.2% efficiency. Their defense kept the Magic at bay, particularly in the second half, where they kept Orlando to 38.9% from the field and 33.3% from deep. When Game 2 tips off, expect the Celtics to double down on their shooting and rely on their role players, with Tatum nursing an injury.

Despite their stellar record, lofty expectations had Boston struggling against the spread. Boston posted a 39-43-1 ATS record this season, ranking them 22nd in the NBA. They had a 47.6% cover percentage, a +9.2 margin of victory, and a -0.3 ATS +/- this season. In Game 1, the Celtics won outright (-750) and covered the spread (-12.5).

With Jayson Tatum doubtful for Game 2, all eyes are on reigning NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. Game 1 wasn’t his best showing, as Brown put up a modest 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists on 42.9% from the field. With Orlando sure to tighten up on defense, Brown will be more aggressive in Game 2 to support the team’s scoring and ease the burden on Tatum and the team’s players.

Regarding the Boston Celtics’ injury report, Jayson Tatum is a Game Time Decision after suffering a bone bruise in Game 1.

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How to Watch Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

• Teams: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

• Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA

• Date: 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 23, 2025

• TV:  TNT, truTV, Max