A low-scoring game should be expected when the Boston Celtics (34-15) and the Orlando Magic (22-28) square off at TD Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The Magic will be looking for similar success after comfortably covering the 4.5-point spread against the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 112-100. The game’s total points (212) finished over the O/U total of 203.5. The Magic, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.489, had an extraordinary mark of 0.637, while the Hornets had a free throw rate of 0.101 (below their season average of 0.189). Orlando was led by Aaron Gordon, who had 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
In the Celtics’ last game, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 123-115, covering as 6-point favorites. The combined points for the game (238) were over the O/U total of 234. The Celtics had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.7 (above their season average of 23.8) and had a better turnover percentage (13.3 vs. 15.4). Jayson Tatum was Boston’s top scorer with 28 points on 10-for-20 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Kemba Walker scored a game-high 37 points and the Celtics, who were 3-point underdogs, defeated the Magic 109-98. He also put up six assists. The game finished with a total of 207 points, which was 5.5 points below the projected point total of 212.5 points. The Celtics had a better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.467) and had a better free throw rate (0.174 vs. 0.156).
Orlando heads into the game with records of 22-28 straight up (SU) and 22-24-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Magic are playing, as 29 of their 50 contests have gone under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 34-15 SU and 30-18-1 ATS. Coinciding with Orlando, games including the Celtics have finished under the total 53.1 percent of the time.
Boston should have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Celtics currently rank seventh in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.510), while Orlando is 30th in effective field goal percentage (0.491). Also, the Magic commit the second-fewest errors in the league (turnover percentage of 12.0 percent), while the pesky defense of the Celtics causes the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.6 percent).
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Orlando is 13-10-2 ATS on the road with 13 overs and 12 unders.
Boston is 15-10 ATS at home with 13 overs, 11 unders and 1 push.
Boston is 12-2 when they allow less than 100 points, while Orlando is 12-4.
When reaching 100 points, the Magic are 18-10 and the Celtics are 33-9.
Orlando averages 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Boston ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
The Celtics rank ninth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Magic rank 27th (44.6).
Orlando ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while Boston ranks 13th (12.6).
The Celtics average 45.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Magic rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.0) while Boston ranks seventh (15.0).
The Celtics rank fifth in assists allowed per game (22.9) while the Magic rank 11th (23.6).
Orlando ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Boston ranks sixth (6.9).
In its last five games, Orlando is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Boston is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Magic’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 1.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 115.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.6 points per game (2.1 above their season average).