The Orlando Magic dropped Game 1 of their first-round series against the top-seeded Boston Celtics, but Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance that suggests he’ll remain a dynamic producer.
The All-Star forward recorded 36 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, keeping Orlando competitive despite minimal production elsewhere. With the Celtics’ defensive attention already honed in on him — and still not enough to slow him down — Banchero is positioned for another high-usage, high-output performance in Game 2.
Here is the featured Paolo Banchero prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday.
Best Paolo Banchero Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
Paolo Banchero Over 35.5 Points + Rebounds (-115)
Banchero posted a dominant Game 1 performance, finishing with 36 points and 11 rebounds. He accounted for over 40 percent of Orlando’s total scoring and was the lone consistent force for a Magic offense that otherwise stalled out. No other Magic starter outside of Franz Wagner scored more than six points.
With Wendell Carter Jr., Cory Joseph and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combining for just 10 total points, Banchero had to shoulder an even greater load than usual, and he delivered. His effort was made more impressive given Boston’s defensive reputation and playoff environment.
Orlando’s defensive game plan worked well against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, holding Tatum to 17 points and Brown to 16. However, the Magic failed to contain Boston’s role players, such as Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. White scored 30 points, while Pritchard added 19 off the bench.
“That’s something as a team we harped on coming in, is that they do have two main guys, but it’s really the other guys that kill you,” Banchero said. “I think we just have to do a better job of getting those guys off the line because they really kill you from three. … You do a good job on the main guys, but some of the role guys on the wings, they kill you. So, we have to do a better job taking them away.”
Still, Banchero’s physicality and inside presence kept Orlando within striking distance for most of the contest. He also emphasized the importance of stealing one on the road before the series heads to Orlando.
“The goal is to try and get one (on the road),” Banchero said. “Game 2 we have to come out with a higher level of focus and just do what we can do to get a win on the road because we are not winning this series unless we do. So, that’s the goal.”
Expect Orlando to rely heavily on Banchero again as they attempt to even the series before heading home. Given his scoring efficiency and rebounding activity, the over on this line presents strong value. If the Magic are going to compete, it starts — and likely ends — with Banchero.
