Game Details:
Matchup: Magic vs. Celtics
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Betting Line: Celtics -7.5 | Over/Under: 212.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Implications

As the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs heats up, the Celtics return to TD Garden looking to close the series against the Magic. Boston currently leads the best-of-seven series 3-1, coming off a dominant defensive performance in Game 4 where they held Orlando under 100 points.

Magic’s Offense Under Pressure

The Magic have struggled to find consistent scoring threats outside of Paolo Banchero. With Franz Wagner battling inconsistency and Jalen Suggs dealing with knee soreness, Orlando must find a spark to extend their playoff life and force a Game 6.

Boston’s Defense Showing Championship Grit

The Celtics are flexing their top-ranked defense in the postseason, allowing just 98.5 points per game in the series. With Jrue Holiday and Derrick White locking down the perimeter, and Jayson Tatum leading the offense, Boston has both ends covered and looks every bit the title contender.

Injury Report

Orlando Magic:
Out: Jonathan Isaac (hamstring)
Questionable: Jalen Suggs (knee soreness)

Boston Celtics:
Out: Luke Kornet (ankle)
Questionable: Kristaps Porzingis (calf strain)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Magic: 44-38-2 ATS this season
Celtics: 40-41-3 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in three of the four games this series.
Boston has gone under in 5 of its last 6 games.
Magic have hit the under in 7 of their last 10.

Home/Away Splits:

Boston is 34-7 at home this season (regular season), among the best in the league.
Orlando was just 17-24 on the road in the regular season.

Player Prop to Watch

Jayson Tatum (Celtics) – Points Total: 27.5
Tatum has been the go-to scorer all series long and is averaging 26.7 points. With a closeout opportunity on home court, expect Tatum to be aggressive early. The over on his points prop is a solid play.

Paolo Banchero (Magic) – Rebounds Total: 7.5
Orlando will need second-chance points to stay competitive. Look for Banchero to crash the glass. He has exceeded this total in three of the four games this series.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Celtics -7.5 → Boston is well-positioned to close out the series at home and cover the number.
Total: Under 212.5 → With both defenses imposing their will and recent trends pointing toward a lower-scoring affair, the under looks appealing.
Player Prop: Jayson Tatum Over 27.5 points → Big players step up in big moments, and Tatum should deliver.

Orlando has exceeded expectations this season, but they face a tall task against a battle-tested Boston squad on its home floor. Expect a close first half followed by a Celtics pull-away in the third quarter, ending the series in 5 games.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 108, Magic 97