The Boston Celtics (25-16), 6.5-point favorites, will travel to the Amway Center to go head-to-head against the Orlando Magic (17-24). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 212.5 points and action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Magic (9.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 106-93, while the Celtics (2.5-point favorites) fell to the Miami Heat, 115-99. The Orlando game went 8.5 points under the projected point total of 207.5, while the Boston game finished 2.5 points over the projected point total of 211.5.
Boston did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (15-17; 88.2 percent) while Orlando held Utah to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.5 (below their season average of 21.9). Aaron Gordon was a key piece for Orlando with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Boston rallied around Kyrie Irving, who had 22 points, five rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Nikola Vucevic led the Magic to a 93-90 victory. He registered a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 183 points, which was well under the projected point total of 211.5, and Orlando covered as an 11-point underdog. The Magic’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Celtics. Orlando had a rate of 8.5, while Boston posted a mark of 11.2.
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Celtics are involved, as 63.4 percent of their games have finished over the total. Boston holds records of 25-16 straight up (SU) and 22-19 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Boston, Magic games tend to go under the total (61.0 percent). Further, Orlando owns records of 17-24 SU and 19-20-2 ATS.
The ineffective offense of Orlando will face off against the stingy defense of Boston. The Magic rank 28th in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are second in defensive efficiency. The Celtics figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. The Celtics should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 4th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.6 percent). Conversely, the Magic force the ninth-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.0 percent).
Celtics at Magic Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Magic rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while the Celtics rank eighth (12.4).
- Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while Orlando ranks 26th (14.8).
- The Celtics rank third in three pointers attempted per game (36.2) while the Magic rank 15th (31.3).
- Boston averages 45.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Orlando ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
- Boston ranks 27th in points in the paint per game (42.7) while Orlando ranks last (40.8).
- The Celtics rank sixth in steals per game (8.8) while the Magic rank 26th (6.7).
- The Celtics rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while the Magic rank ninth (4.7).
- Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (22.5) while Orlando ranks seventh (23.4).
- Boston ranks seventh in fast break points per game (16.6) while Orlando ranks 25th (10.3).
- Boston is 9-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Orlando is 8-2.
- The Magic are 13-9 when they score over 100 points, while the Celtics are 25-12.
- Orlando is 8-11 ATS at home, while Boston is 8-13 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics have 14 overs and 7 unders in 21 road games.
- The Magic have 10 unders and 9 overs in 19 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Magic are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Orlando has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 6.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 99.8 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
