Orlando (23-19) at Boston (28-12)
- When: Jan 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: NBCS-BOS
Game Preview
The Boston Celtics will look to get back on track Friday night as they host the Orlando Magic, with Boston entering as a hefty 13.5-point favorite and the total set at 211.5. The Celtics, struggling to regain their early-season dominance, face a Magic team also looking to shake off recent inconsistencies.
Boston’s recent form has been far from championship-caliber, going 7-7 in their last 14 games. The Celtics are coming off a 110-97 loss to Toronto on Wednesday, where they were outscored 85-68 over the final three quarters. It marked the third time this season that Boston was held under 100 points, all resulting in losses.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized unity as the team navigates this rough patch. “We’re not playing our best basketball, but we have to find a way to enjoy the challenge and stick together,” Mazzulla said.
A bright spot for Boston has been Kristaps Porzingis, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks against Toronto. Porzingis has hit at least three 3-pointers in each of his last three games and is rounding into form as a key piece of Boston’s offense.
Orlando is also struggling, losing three of its last four games, including a lopsided 122-93 defeat to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Paolo Banchero scored 22 points but turned the ball over seven times. Since returning from a torn oblique, Banchero has been solid, but the Magic’s overall performance has been inconsistent.
Coach Jamahl Mosley voiced his disappointment after the loss to the Bucks, saying, “That wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. Not even close. But this group finds ways to bounce back.”
Shooting from deep has been a persistent issue for the Magic, who rank dead last in the NBA in 3-point percentage at 30.7%. Against Milwaukee, they shot just 26.1% from beyond the arc, their 21st game below 30% this season. This inefficiency on offense has been compounded by their struggles to apply defensive pressure in key moments.
Orlando has been strong defensively, allowing the fewest points per game (103.7) in the Eastern Conference. However, they rank last in scoring offense at just 104.5 points per game. Meanwhile, Boston remains a balanced powerhouse, ranking second in the East in both points scored (117.5) and points allowed (108.7) per game.
These two teams last met on Dec. 23, when Orlando pulled off a 108-104 upset at home, overcoming a 15-point halftime deficit. Boston will be eager to avenge that loss, especially at TD Garden, where they’ve generally been dominant.
Predictions and Betting Angles:
Spread: Boston -13.5. The Celtics have the firepower to pull away, especially against a Magic team struggling offensively and from deep. Expect Boston to assert themselves at home and cover the spread.
Total Points: Take the under 211.5. With Orlando’s lack of scoring punch and strong defense, combined with Boston’s recent offensive struggles, this game projects as a lower-scoring affair.
Props:
Kristaps Porzingis over 2.5 made 3-pointers. Porzingis has been consistent from beyond the arc recently and should find opportunities against Orlando’s interior-focused defense.
Paolo Banchero over 22.5 points. Banchero has been the Magic’s most reliable scorer since returning and will be tasked with carrying their offense.
Final Score Prediction:
Boston 112, Orlando 96. The Celtics should bounce back in dominant fashion, using their home-court advantage to overwhelm an inconsistent Magic team.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
