Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 19/04/2025, 14:31  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 19/04/2025 at 14:34 in NBA Predictions

Game 1 in the first-round NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic will come from TD Garden on Sunday. The Celtics (61-21) clinched the number two seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Magic (41-41) finished seventh. Let’s get into the match prediction. 

The Boston Celtics are back to defend their championship title and have an excellent record in the first round of the Playoffs, winning four of their last five such series in five games or less. 

Boston hasn’t had it all their own way this season, though, having finished three games behind the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference while they also lost the season series 2-1 to this opponent.

However, it is worth noting that both this season's defeats came without Jayson Tatum on the court, while the match he did suit up for, they won in a blowout by 27 points. 

Meanwhile, after an impressive start to the season, the Orlando Magic lost Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to injuries, and the pair only reunited in January when the side was battling to maintain .500. 

Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner, two of their best defenders, also sustained injuries later in the campaign, which ruled them out for the rest of the season. Yet, the Magic were still the best defence in the league.

On offence, though, it’s a different story, as they were the second-lowest-scoring team in the NBA, averaging just 105.6 PPG and 1.07 points per possession (second-worst behind Washington).