Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/12/2023, 10:42  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 15/12/2023 at 10:44 in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will be at home in the first game of an NBA back-to-back with the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Only two games separate the two teams at the top of the Eastern Conference with Boston leading while the Magic are third. The Celtics haven’t lost at home this season and have won all 12 games. They will be eager to keep this streak going to also tighten their grip on top spot. Boston, who possess the best record in the entire NBA, are 1.5 games up on their closest challengers in the East. They defeated the Cavaliers 116-107 last time out to extend their current winning run to three matches. Five players scored in double figures in the win with Jason Tatum dropping the most with 27. The forward is Boston’s leading points-getter and is averaging 27.3 points as well as 8.9 rebounds. Boston, who are allowing 108.9 points a game which is the league’s third-best tally, are scoring 117.3 points a night. Joe Mazulla will have a full squad at his disposal with no injuries reported.

The Magic have won four straight against the Celtics with the latest being their first meeting of the season. They became the sixth team to hold the conference leaders to under 100 points this season. Another strong defensive showing could tip the scales again in their favour. Orlando are having an excellent season and have so far compiled a 16-7 record. They trail Boston by two games after winning their last two fixtures. Jamahl Mosley’s men also defeated the Cavaliers in their last match. They won 104-94 and for the second successive match had kept their opponents under 100. Five players scored double-figure points against Cleveland with Paulo Banchero leading the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Franz Wagner added 19 and the two should again be the ones who will spearhead the visitors at the Garden. The two players are averaging 20 points a game each. Wendell Junior will continue to be out with a hand injury while Markelle Fultz is ‘day to day’ for this match. The Magic, who are averaging 114 points a game, are holding their opponents to 108.9 points a night.