The first-round series of the 2025 NBA playoffs between the 2-seed Boston Celtics and the 7-seed Orlando Magic heads to the Kia Center for Game 3 on Friday. The Celtics successfully defended their home court at TD Garden by winning the first two games, including a 109-100 victory in Game 2. Boston now holds a 2-0 lead in the opening round, marking the third time this has happened in their last four postseason appearances. Meanwhile, Orlando finds themselves in an 0-2 hole for the second consecutive postseason. Boston forward Jayson Tatum is currently listed as doubtful for the game due to a wrist injury.
Tipoff for Game 3 is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando. According to the latest odds, the Celtics are favored by 4.5 points. The projected total points for the game is set at 197.5. On the money line, Boston is listed at -218 (meaning a $218 bet would win $100), while Orlando is at +180 (a $100 bet would win $180).
Analysis from a respected projection model, which simulates every NBA game thousands of times, provides insight into potential betting outcomes. The model has run simulations for this specific Celtics vs. Magic matchup and has generated its predicted picks.
Key game details and betting lines include:
- Celtics vs. Magic spread: Boston -5.5
- Celtics vs. Magic over/under: 197.5 points
- Celtics vs. Magic money line: Boston -199, Orlando +165
- Boston`s season record against the spread: 39-44-1
- Orlando`s season record against the spread: 42-42-1
Why Boston Might Cover the Spread
Guard Jaylen Brown has been a consistent scoring threat for Boston, capable of creating shots from various spots on the floor. Through the first two games of the series, Brown is averaging a team-high 26 points along with 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. In their Game 2 win against Orlando, Brown delivered a strong performance with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Guard Derrick White offers a versatile two-way presence with a reliable outside shot. In the first two games, White has averaged 23.5 points, five rebounds, and 3.5 assists, contributing 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the most recent outing.
Why Orlando Might Cover the Spread
Forward Paolo Banchero is a primary offensive engine for the Magic, leveraging his touch and size to score effectively. Banchero leads the team in scoring for the series, averaging 34 points complemented by 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists. The former Duke standout has reached the 30-point mark in both games of the series, posting 32 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in Game 2. Forward Franz Wagner serves as another important playmaker for Orlando. Wagner is averaging 24 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in the series and has been a consistent scorer, hitting 20 or more points in 14 of his last 15 games, including 25 points, four rebounds, and four assists in his previous game.
Predictions for Celtics vs. Magic Game 3
The projection model`s analysis for the Celtics vs. Magic game leans towards the total points going Under the set line, with a projection of approximately 198 combined points. The model also indicates a favored outcome for one particular side of the point spread, showing a high probability of it covering.
Jasper Hawthorne