Magic vs. Celtics Picks and Prediction – 4/29/2025

Orlando Magic (47-35) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18)
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA
TV: NBA TV

Series Update:

East 1st Round – Game 5
Celtics lead 3-1

Previous Game Recap:

The Celtics pulled out a gritty 107-98 win in Game 4 despite a cold night from deep (9-for-31 from 3PT). Jayson Tatum dominated with 37 points and 14 rebounds, while Boston’s defense held Orlando under 100 points for the third time this series. Meanwhile, the Magic struggled without Jalen Suggs and were just 8-for-30 from beyond the arc.

Orlando Magic Breakdown:

Without Suggs, Orlando’s offense lacks spacing and consistent perimeter creation. Despite Paolo Banchero's 31-point effort and Franz Wagner’s all-around performance, the Magic have been inefficient, especially from deep. They're shooting under 30% from three in this series and averaging under 95 PPG. Expecting Orlando to suddenly reverse that trend on the road is a big ask.

Key Players:

  • Paolo Banchero: 22.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG

  • Franz Wagner: Versatile scorer and playmaker

  • Cory Joseph: Unexpected contributor but limited upside

Boston Celtics Breakdown:

Boston has been locked in defensively, allowing just 96.5 PPG over their last 10 games. With Tatum and Brown firing and Porzingis giving them a size advantage inside, the Celtics are controlling both ends. Even with Jrue Holiday out, Boston’s depth and experience are showing. The Celtics have also been elite at home, winning 6 straight at TD Garden.

Key Players:

  • Jayson Tatum: Coming off 37 points, 14 rebounds

  • Jaylen Brown: 21 points and 11 boards in Game 4

  • Kristaps Porzingis: Interior presence and scoring touch

Betting Trends:

Orlando Magic:

  • 6-3 ATS in last 9 games

  • 3-6 SU vs. Boston in last 9

  • 6 of last 8 road games have gone OVER

Boston Celtics:

  • 17-3 SU in last 20

  • 8 of last 12 vs. Orlando have gone UNDER

  • 6-0 SU in last 6 at home

Exact Score Prediction:

Boston Celtics 104 – Orlando Magic 89

Our Best Bet:

Under 196.5 (-110)

The Magic simply can’t score efficiently enough to push this game over the total. Boston’s defense has clamped down hard all series, and with the Celtics likely to control tempo and cruise in a series-clinching win, a grind-it-out style favors the under. Even if the Celtics score in the low 100s, Orlando doesn’t have the firepower to hold up their end. Expect defense and game control to define Game 5.

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