The Orlando Magic are still finding their way after a road-heavy early schedule, but we’ll learn more about the Desmond Bane fit as they take on the Boston Celtics tonight in NBA Cup action.
While Boston has won seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams, there’s not the same star power on Joe Mazzulla’s squad this year, and my Celtics vs. Magic predictions favor Orlando’s depth and defense here.
My NBA picks weigh up this November 7 matchup.
Want to make sure Covers shows up often in your Google search results and Discover feed?
Simply click here and add Covers as one of your "source preferences".
Celtics vs Magic prediction
Celtics vs Magic best bet: Magic -3 (-110 at bet365)
For an Orlando Magic team that prides itself on lockdown defense, Tuesday’s 127-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, playing without Trae Young, was embarrassing.
If Jamahl Mosley doesn’t get a reaction here, there’s going to be even more scrutiny on the Magic given their win-now summer move.
But I see the hosts tapping into their defense-first culture and embracing the challenge against the Boston Celtics. Orlando has a slight rest edge over the visitors, and it’s been a bumpy week for the Celtics, with a loss to the Utah Jazz and a slow start on Wednesday before breezing past the Washington Wizards.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are still going to get buckets, but there are plenty of unknowns beyond that in this Boston rotation.
A feisty Magic bench should get the upper hand tonight, and, though White can handle the Bane assignment, I’m less confident about the visitors’ chances of containing Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Neither of these teams has great numbers against the spread, but Orlando went 18-11 ATS as a home favorite last season, so I’ll lay the points for a spread this small.
As is so often the case with the Celtics, the three-ball could be the swing factor. Boston is shooting the second-most 3-pointers in the league this year, while Orlando is allowing the fewest attempts from beyond the arc. Look for the Magic to win that battle.
Celtics vs Magic same-game parlay
As the Magic’s best player, Banchero has to be a tone-setter – and that starts in the paint. He’s grabbed 9+ rebounds in four straight games, including 11 boards on Tuesday in Atlanta, and the hosts should have an edge on the glass with the Celtics’ limited frontcourt options.
Meanwhile, Boston continues to ask White to do a little of everything. He dished eight dimes against the Wizards in midweek, and his playmaking becomes even more essential on the road.
White nailed this Over in four of his five postseason outings against the Magic last year.
Celtics vs Magic SGP
- Magic -3
- Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
- Derrick White Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bane brings the Magic
Bane is a much better shooter than he’s shown so far in Orlando, but there were signs of life this week when he knocked down two of his four triples against the Hawks.
The Magic need Desmond Bane to increase his shot volume to give the rest of the offense more juice, and I’ll pump up the SGP odds here with the Over on 2.5 made 3-pointers.
Celtics vs Magic SGP
- Magic -3
- Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
- Derrick White Over 4.5 assists
- Desmond Bane Over 2.5 3-pointers
Celtics vs Magic odds
- Spread: Boston +3 (-105) | Orlando -3 (-115)
- Moneyline: Boston +130 | Orlando -155
- Over/Under: Over 226 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)
Celtics vs Magic betting trend to know
The Under is 4-2 in the Celtics’ last six outings. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Magic.
How to watch Celtics vs Magic
| Location | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date | Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCSB, FDSN FL |
Celtics vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
