The Orlando Magic (21-48) will have their hands full against the NBA’s top shooting defense when they go head-to-head with the Boston Celtics (46-22) at Amway Center. The game will air on Fox SportsNet Florida at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Betting Prediction
The Celtics are hoping for a better outcome after their 125-124 loss to the Washington Wizards in their last game. Washington’s 27.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Boston, who had a mark of 20.4. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 23.5. Marcus Morris led Boston in scoring with 31 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
The last time the Magic played, they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 126-117. The Magic knocked down 20 of their 23 free throws (87.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.3 (above their season average of 20.0). With 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Nikola Vucevic put together a good outing for Orlando.
The ineffective offense of Orlando will clash against the elite defense of Boston. The Magic currently rank 21st in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency. The Celtics should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Boston heads into the contest with records of 46-22 straight up (SU) and 40-25-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Celtics’ 68 games, 35 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Orlando is 21-48 SU and 32-35-2 ATS. Games involving the Magic have typically gone under the projected point total (56.5 percent).
Terry Rozier has averaged 14.6 points over the last five games for Boston.
The Celtics have won two out of three against the Magic this season, but fell short the last time these two teams met, 103-95. Boston was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 198 points, which was 11 points below the projected point total of 209 points. The Magic had a better turnover percentage (9.2 vs. 14.1) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.3 vs. 26.2). In the loss, Kyrie Irving led all scorers on the team with 40 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 23-9 ATS with 16 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.
At home, Orlando is 13-18-1 ATS with 19 unders and 13 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Orlando is 9-5 and Boston is 29-4.
The Celtics are 35-10 when they score over 100 points, while the Magic are 21-28.
Boston ranks eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Orlando ranks last (49.4).
The Celtics rank fourth in assists allowed per game (20.9) while the Magic rank 25th (24.5).
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.1) while Orlando ranks 22nd (12.6).
The Celtics rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.3) while the Magic rank 25th (41.0).
Boston ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Orlando ranks 19th (8.0).
The Celtics rank 16th in second chance points per game (12.1) while the Magic rank 25th (10.7).
Orlando ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.6) while Boston ranks ninth (27.2).
The Celtics rank 16th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Magic rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Orlando ranks 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.5) while Boston ranks 26th (14.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Orlando is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 99.6 points per game (5.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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