Magic vs. Celtics Prediction, Picks for Sunday, Dec. 17
Here's everything you need to know about Magic vs. Celtics on Sunday, Dec. 17 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
For the second time in 48 hours, the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic meet. The Celtics, who hold the best record in the league, look to be the first team to 20 wins this season.
Let's get to our Magic vs. Celtics prediction and pick.
Magic vs. Celtics Prediction
Pick: Celtics -8.5, Over 227.5
Magic Betting Outlook
Orlando is 5-1 against the spread in its past six games against Boston. However, the Magic didn't cover the 5.5-point spread as they lost by 17 on Friday and I don't expect them to cover here either.
In December, four of six Magic games have gone over the total as Orlando is averaging 113 points per game this month.
Additionally, Paolo Banchero, the reigning rookie of the year, is looking to bounce back after shooting 5-for-17 from the field, including 1-for-4 from 3 on Friday. The second-year player is averaging 20 points per game this season and should get closer to that mark Sunday.
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Celtics Betting Outlook
The shorthanded Celtics split the season series after dropping the past four games to the Magic, including the In-Season Tournament group play game. Since the loss to Orlando on Nov 24, the Celtics have won seven of their past eight games.
The Celtics have the fifth-highest offensive rating in the NBA and are averaging 124 points per game during their winning streak. It's also important to note that Jayson Tatum is averaging 28 points per game on 47% shooting against Orlando this season.
Boston has covered the spread in four of its past five games, including Friday’s contest against Orlando. Boston is beating teams by an average of 10.7 points in this stretch, so look for it to cover the spread again.
Magic vs. Celtics Picks, Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+8.5 | 227.5 -110/-110 | +260 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-8.5 | 227.5 -110/-110 | -330 |
The Celtics and Magic over/under is set at 227.5 for the second straight game. Friday's game tallied 239 points and with Kristaps Porzingis, who is averaging 19 points per game this season, back, look for the Celtics to run it up.
