Magic vs Celtics Picks, Prediction and NBA Prop Bets: Go With Banchero to Score 25+ Points Jan 17
- Bet on Paolo Banchero scoring over 24.5 points in your Magic vs Celtics picks.
- Make sure to place a bet on the Magic to cover the +12.5 spread.
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The Boston Celtics, the defending champions, are in a rut right now. They will now host the Orlando Magic, whose defense can make NBA game predictions interesting in this matchup.
Let’s break down the Magic vs Celtics odds and find the best bets tonight.
Magic vs Celtics Game Information
- Game: Orlando Magic (23-19) vs. Boston Celtics (28-12)
- Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Day/Time: Friday, Jan. 17, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Magic vs Celtics Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Get updated Magic vs Celtics stats here.
Magic vs Celtics Betting Preview
1. Magic vs Celtics Spread Pick
Paolo Banchero’s return is the biggest reason the Magic have a chance to cover the spread in this matchup. Banchero played the first five games of the season and looked terrific, averaging 29 points per game.
Paolo Banchero in his return tonight:
34 Points
7 Rebounds
3 Assists
3 Steals
52% FGHe’s back. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QlJHAR3bd8
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 11, 2025
However, Banchero suffered an injury that kept him sidelined for over two months. Three games ago, he returned, which headlined NBA news, and it looked like he never missed a game. In his first game back against the Bucks, Banchero scored 34 points and followed that up with 20 in the next. He only scored 22 points in the recent loss to the Bucks, but his play has stayed level.
The Magic are averaging the fewest points per game this season (104.5), and they desperately needed their elite scorer back. However, their defense has enabled them to stay afloat, and they are still the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. This season, they are second in points allowed (103.7) and defensive rating (107.3).
The main issue is that the Celtics are still one of the top teams but have struggled lately. They have been favored by at least 10 points in the last four games, only covering once and losing twice. That opens the door for Magic’s defense to slow the game down and for Banchero to do enough offensively to cover the spread.
2. Magic vs Celtics Over/Under Pick
The Celtics are still the second seed in the Eastern Conference and one of the top teams in the league. However, they have not looked that good in recent games, another reason the Magic can cover this NBA spread.
The first significant marker for the Celtics’ recent struggles is that they are 7-7 over the last 14 games. In that span, they have lost four times at home, matching the total losses in Boston in 2023-24. That brings the Celtics record at home to 14-7, after it was 37-4 last season.
With a little of the Celtics’ home court advantage being stripped away, they also have a tough matchup on the horizon. The Magic’s ability to defend the perimeter is a big reason for their defensive success. They allow the fewest threes per game (30.4) compared to the Celtics, who take the most (49.3). That was a big reason why the Magic beat the Celtics at home on December 23. The Magic won 108-104, holding the Celtics to 8-33 from three.
However, over the last 14 games, the Celtics’ three-point shooting has decreased. They are making 17.9 per game on the season, but in this recent stretch, that has dropped to 15.7. That might not feel like a lot, but against a tough defense, the Celtics’ offensive issue will be heightened.
3. Paolo Banchero Over 24.5 Points (-108)
Because of the Magic’s defense, it will be hard to back any player on the Celtics to have a big offensive game. The Celtics have their own solid defense, but Banchero might be able to overcome that, given how much his team relies on him offensively. NBA expert picks should back his total points to hit the over, as his scoring leads to this being a close game.
Best Bet: Banchero Points Over 24.5 -108
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Questions Of The Day
Are there going to be any All-Stars in this game?
The Celtics have All-Stars all over their roster. Jayson Tatum will surely get in, but after him, it is a toss-up.
Who is going to lead this game in scoring?
If Banchero can have a big enough game, he should finish with the most points.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets