Even without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics managed a a 109-100 victory in Game 2 to lead 2-0. Now the series shifts to Orlando where the Magic will look to take a game from the reigning NBA champions.
Tatum remains doubtful for Game 3 on Friday, so it will likely be up to Jaylen Brown to lead Boston. Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero will be the Magic’s focal point again after finishing with 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in Game 2.
The Celtics are 4.5-point favorites on the road, and the game total is set at 197 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best Celtics vs. Magic Player Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Paolo Banchero Over 28.5 Points (-105)
The Magic put up a good fight in Game 2 thanks to Banchero’s performance. He’s proven to be one of the best young players in the NBA and is getting quality playoff experience to enhance his skillset.
The 22-year-old finished with back-to-back 30-point outings to start the series against the Celtics. While neither was enough to win the game, it’s clear that Banchero is comfortable attacking one of the sharpest defenses in the NBA.
Banchero also had impressive rebounding and assist numbers in both games, but the focus should be his scoring. He’s scored over 32 points in four of his last five games. The one exception was against the Celtics’ reserves near the end of the regular season.
If the Magic expect to have any chance at winning a game, they’ll need a big performance from Banchero. He’s won’t shy away from the moment.
Jaylen Brown Over 24.5 Points (-115)
The Celtics are expected to be without Tatum again as he’s listed as doubtful with a right wrist injury. That means Brown will be the one to step up in his absence.
Although technically a second option, Brown is still one of the premier players in the NBA. He’s proven to be capable of handling leadership responsibility while being the top option on a team. Game 2 was the most recent example of this.
He scored 36 points on 12-of-19 shooting in a 109-100 victory over the Magic. Without Tatum, he’s the clear No. 1 player in Boston’s rotation.
Even if Tatum plays, Brown is still an excellent bet to hit the over on his 24.5 points prop. He averaged 22.2 points per game during the regular season and is one of few second options capable of being a legit first option on a title contender.
Kristaps Porzingis Over 1.5 three-pointers (-140)
With Tatum out in Game 2, Kristaps Porzingis received more offensive responsibility. He had 20 points on 5-of-14 shooting and 0-of-5 from deep.
His efficiency was certainly a concern, but it didn’t matter as Boston still won the game. The important part of those stats for tonight is his volume. Porzingis shot 14 times, which tied Derrick White for second most on the team in Game 2. He should take a similar amount of shots in Game 3 with Tatum still doubtful.
Although Porzingis didn’t make a three-pointer in Game 2, that’s unlike him. He made 2.5 three-pointers per game on 41.2 percent from deep this season. Despite his height, he lines up behind the three-point line often, providing elite spacing for the Celtics.
Because Al Horford started over Tatum, that takes away another ball handler. Horford spaces the floor, but he usually does so in the corner. To maximize spacing, Boston should Porzingis above the break, where the center is comfortable shooting long distance threes.
Porzingis has the green light, and it’s unlike him to miss all seven three-point attempts to start the series against Orlando. Game 3 should be a bounce back opportunity for him in terms of three-point efficiency.
Parlaying all three bets yields +485 value
