David takes on Goliath to open up the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Magic earned the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed on Tuesday following a 120-95 play-in tournament victory over the Hawks. Their reward? A series with the defending champion Boston Celtics and All-NBA superstar Jayson Tatum.
The Celtics are heavily favored (-5000) over the Magic on DraftKings Sportsbook. The line on total games in this series is under 5.5 (-425). Before these teams tip off this weekend, let’s preview how both squads match up before making a prediction.
Celtics vs. Magic preview, prediction
On paper, this is a true battle of polar opposites. The Celtics are an offensive machine, averaging the seventh-most points (107.8) and the most three-pointers made (17.8) per game. In contrast, the Magic have held opponents to the second-fewest points (103.5) and fewest three-pointers made (11.3).
The biggest difference between these two clubs is that while the Celtics play elite defense, the Magic struggle mightily on offense. Other than Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, nobody on this Orlando roster is capable of creating their own shot. As good as Tatum is, the C’s have an entire starting five (and sixth man) capable of making plays.
These squads last met on April 9th, a 20-point Magic win. However, the Celtics rested all of their starters, so that result doesn’t mean anything. Prior to that contest, the Celtics had won three of their previous five games in this matchup. All things considered, that’s a respectable showing for the Magic against a bonafide superteam.
A stout defensive unit is enough to potentially give the Celtics some problems. Still, it’ll take production from names other than Banchero and Wagner to make this a series. Unfortunately for the Magic, point guard Jalen Suggs (knee) is out for the season. That leaves Orlando with a rag-tag back court of Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
If there’s any concern for the Celtics, it’s an over-reliance on three-point shooting. Boston easily leads the league in attempts from beyond the arc (48.2). Against a stingy perimeter defense, shot variance alone could cost the Celtics a game or two. In addition, the health of Jaylen Brown (knee) will be something to monitor.
Celtics vs. Magic series pick, best bet
The Celtics are favorites for a reason, and none of the statistics previously mentioned have helped change my mind. The ultimate question is if the Magic can make things interesting by taking a game or two before this best-of-seven set is over.
In Jayson Tatum’s 20 career postseason series, he’s recorded a sweep four different times. Three of those instances came in the first round. Still, this Orlando squad won’t go down quietly; the Celtics will have to work for every bucket. On the other end of the floor, the Magic have two 20-point scorers, albeit not much else. I doubt this series goes the distance, but an Orlando win in Games 3 or 4 wouldn’t be shocking. In a matchup that lacks much value, exactly five games makes for an enticing wager.
BEST BET: Celtics vs. Magic exactly 5 games (+190)
When does the Celtics vs. Magic series start?
The opening game of this first round series between the Celtics and Magic in the NBA Playoffs tips off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, April 20th.
