Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 12/22/24, 3:44 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 12/22/24 at 4:51 PM in NBA Picks

After the Celtics unexpectedly fell against the Bulls at TD Garden, they had a quick revenge in Chicago where they won 123-98 covering the -12.5 handicap for Boston set that night. Two days later they will travel in an interesting game to visit one of the strongest locals of this season, the Orlando Magic with a record of 11-2 at the Kia Center, which will nevertheless see the reigning champions be favorites even as visitors. The Magic played twice as an underdog this season on the betting sites and lost both times.

This will be the first game of the season between the Celtics and Magic. In 2023, all 4 games between these teams resulted in a victory for the team that played at home. However, by up to 7.5 points in the early action within the bookies the reigning champions Boston Celtics are set as favorites. In part, that's because Tatum is coming off a season-high 43 points to go along with a triple-double. After a slow start by the Cerltics, by the end of the second quarter Tatum already had nine assists at the half to build a 61-54 lead heading into the second half against the Bulls.