The Orlando Magic host the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their first-round series on Friday night. Tip-off comes at 7:00 p.m. ET from Kia Center on ESPN.
Boston has a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series, but with several key starters on the IR, my Celtics vs. Magic predictions are backing Orlando to bounce back here.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference playoff clash on April 25.
Who will win Celtics vs Magic Game 3?
If the Magic are going to win a game this series, Game 3 looks like their best chance. Not only are they at home in a desperation spot but the Celtics will likely be missing Jayson Tatum for the second-straight game.
With Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday also popping up on Boston's injury report, the Magic are live dogs at +140 tonight.
Celtics vs Magic prediction
My best bet: Magic +3.5 (-110 at bet365)
The Boston Celtics were able to pull away for a 109-100 victory without Jayson Tatum on Wednesday. With Tatum listed as doubtful for today it seems likely that they'll be without their All-NBA forward again.
In addition, Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown have been downgraded to questionable. With the Celtics up 2-0 in the series, I wouldn't be surprised if they are extra cautious and sit either or both of them.
That puts the Orlando Magic in a good spot to keep things close tonight. The Celtics attempt threes at the highest rate in the NBA and without Tatum to open things up for their outside shooters, they'll struggle to knock down those shots.
The Magic are a physical team that can slow things down and they had the second-highest rated defense during the regular season.
They struggled on offense but Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are reliable scorers who have been filling up the hoop this series. They don't have the depth of the Celtics but this is the sort of must-win game that will likely see Banchero and Wagner rarely come off the floor.
Celtics vs Magic same-game parlay
Magic +3.5
Derrick White 15+ points
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 2.5 rebounds
I'm expecting the Magic to cover the spread due to Boston missing multiple starters. That also makes it likely that Derrick White steps up due to a higher usage rate and more shots. White averaged 16.4 ppg during the regular season and scored 30 points in Game 1 before dropping 17 points in Game 2.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played 35 minutes in each of the first two games of this series and grabbed four boards in each. He has now pulled down 3+ rebounds in nine of the last 10 contests where he's logged at least 24 minutes.
Orlando desperately needs KCP's experience and perimeter defense, so expect him to keep getting minutes and eclipse his rebound total.
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Celtics vs Magic odds
Celtics vs Magic live odds
Celtics vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Boston -6 | Orlando +6
- Moneyline: Boston -230 | Orlando +190
- Over/Under: Over 198.5 | Under 198.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Celtics vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread moved from Boston -5.5 to -3.5 after Tatum was downgraded to doubtful and Brown and Holiday were added to the injury report.
- The total ticked down from 198.5 to 197 after that injury news.
- The Magic came into this series having gone 11-4 SU and 10-5 ATS in their previous 15 games.
- Banchero has dropped 30+ points in 11 of his last 16 contests, including both games this series.
Celtics vs Magic trend
The Magic have covered the 1H spread in 13 of their last 15 games (+10.65 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Magic.
How to watch Celtics vs Magic
| Location | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date | Friday, 4-25-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Celtics vs Magic latest injuries
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