Orlando (0-0) at Boston (0-0)
- When: Apr 20 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: ABC
Magic vs. Celtics Game 1 Playoff Betting Preview & Predictions
Spread: Boston -13.5 | Total: 206.0
The defending NBA champion Boston Celtics tip off their postseason run on Sunday as heavy 13.5-point favorites against the No. 7-seeded Orlando Magic. The game total is set at 206.0, and all signs point to a grind-it-out battle between two of the league’s top defensive units.
Boston Celtics Outlook
Boston (61-21) enters the playoffs with momentum and championship pedigree. They finished with the second-best defensive rating in the NBA (107.2 points allowed per game) and set an all-time league record with 1,457 made three-pointers this season. Offensively, the Celtics thrive behind Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard — all three hitting over 250 triples each. Boston also averaged a whopping 17.8 made threes on 48.2 attempts per game.
While Tatum missed a regular season matchup versus Orlando, he’s expected to be locked in for this one, and the Celtics’ full rotation should be ready to handle business. Boston will be looking to bounce back from a couple of regular-season losses to the Magic, including one game where they sat their starters due to locked-in playoff seeding.
Boston is not just focused on winning — they’re gunning for a repeat title and want to make a statement early. With TD Garden as the backdrop, expect the Celtics to come out aggressive and establish control from the perimeter. Their sharp-shooting and defensive intensity make them a tough cover, especially at home.
Orlando Magic Outlook
The Magic (41-41) arrive in Boston fresh off a convincing 120-95 play-in win over Atlanta. They’ve now earned a shot at a full series against the reigning champs — a tall task for a young roster still learning how to win on the road.
Orlando owns the league’s stingiest defense, allowing just 105.5 points per game, but the question remains whether they can keep up with Boston’s firepower from deep. The Magic ranked dead last in both three-pointers made (11.2) and 3-point shooting percentage (31.8%) over the regular season. However, they showed signs of life from long range during their last 16 games, hitting 36.7% from beyond the arc.
The team’s offensive hopes rest on the shoulders of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, both of whom dealt with injuries this year but are healthy entering Game 1. Banchero averaged 25.9 points and Wagner added 24.2 across limited appearances — they’ll need to combine for a monster effort to keep this one close.
Orlando’s strength is its ability to limit perimeter shots — they allowed the fewest 3-point attempts in the league. If they can disrupt Boston’s rhythm early, they might cover the spread, but pulling off a road upset seems unlikely.
Prediction: Under 206.0 | Boston wins by double digits
Final Pick:
Side: Boston -13.5
Total: Under 206.0
Score Prediction: Celtics 111, Magic 93
Boston’s offensive depth and home-court dominance should be too much for the young Magic. Look for the Celtics to set the tone early in the series.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
