It will be a battle between two stifling defenses when the Boston Celtics (34-15) take on the Orlando Magic (22-28) at TD Garden. The game will air on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Both teams covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Celtics (6-point favorites) defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-115, while the Magic (4.5-point favorites) beat the Charlotte Hornets 112-100. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Boston game went 4 points over the projected point total of 234, while the Orlando game went 8.5 points over the projected point total of 203.5.
Orlando played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.637 (above their season average of 0.489) and a free throw rate of 0.125 (matching their season average). Charlotte was 0.511 and 0.101, respectively, for those same stats. Boston, meanwhile, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.7 (above their season average of 23.8) and a turnover percentage of 13.3 (worse than their season average of 11.7). Atlanta was 15.4 and 15.4, respectively, for those same stats. Boston rallied around Jayson Tatum, who put up 28 points and seven rebounds. Aaron Gordon had a good outing for Orlando, putting up 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Kemba Walker led the Celtics to a 109-98 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 37 points. The two teams combined to score 207 points, which was under the projected point total of 212.5, and Boston covered as a 3-point underdog. Boston’s 0.547 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Orlando, who had a rate of 0.467.
Of the Magic’s 50 games, 29 have finished under the O/U total. Orlando holds records of 22-28 straight up (SU) and 22-24-4 against the spread (ATS).
A little over half of Celtics games have also finished under the total. Moreover, Boston owns records of 34-15 SU and 30-18-1 ATS.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Boston figures to have a noteworthy advantage. The Celtics defense ranks seventh in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.510), while the Orlando offense is ranked 30th in effective field goal percentage (0.491). Moreover, the Magic rank second in turnover percentage (12.0 percent), while the Celtics rank fourth in opponents’ turnover percentage (14.6 percent).
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics ATS Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Orlando ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.8) while Boston ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
- The Celtics average 45.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Magic rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
- Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.0) while Boston ranks seventh (15.0).
- Orlando ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Boston ranks sixth (6.9).
- The Celtics rank ninth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Magic rank 27th (44.6).
- The Celtics rank fifth in assists allowed per game (22.9) while the Magic rank 11th (23.6).
- Orlando ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while Boston ranks 13th (12.6).
- Boston is 12-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Orlando is 12-4.
- The Magic are 18-10 when they reach 100 points, while the Celtics are 33-9.
- Boston is 15-10 ATS at home, while Orlando is 13-10-2 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 13 of the Celtics’ 25 home games, while 13 of the Magic’s 25 road games have gone over.
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 unders and 2 overs, while Orlando has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 115.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.6 points per game (2.1 above their season average).
- The Magic’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 1.2 for the season.
