Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 2– 04/23/2025

On Wednesday, 04/23, the Boston Celtics will host the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Celtics expectedly notched a 17-point win (103-86) in Game 1. Will Orlando give a much better fight in Game 2? Read through the preview, stats, and player props here.

Where to Watch Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic

Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
Venue: TD Garden (Boston, Massachusetts)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Game 2 Preview

Game 1 could be the reflection of this series

Game 1 was a display of the differences between the two teams. The Celtics couldn’t attain rhythm in the first half, scoring 48 points. The Magic actually had a 1-point lead heading into the half. But the Celts saved their best for the third quarter, reminiscent of the Warriors’ championship teams from the mid to late 2010s.

They pulled things with a 30-18 quarter, and the Magic really missed their lead guard, Jalen Suggs in that period. They did try to make a comeback, but Orlando isn’t the type of team that can erase big deficits against a loaded team. The biggest reason is the aforementioned lack of a strong guard.

For instance, the Celtics’ backcourt of Jrue Holiday, Jalen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White produced 74 points. White was the biggest difference maker with 22 points(7 threes). Meanwhile, the Magic backcourt of Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, and Cole Anthony combined for just 17 points. It wasted Paolo Banchero’s 36-point mega effort and Franz Wagner’s 23-point night.

The Magic need at least two of their guards to be in double-digit or this series is a hopeless case. There is a major depth difference here, and the Celtics can even survive poor shooting nights from their ace Jayson Tatum(8/22 in Game 1). Meanwhile, the Magic look hopeless even when their leading scorer plays out of his skill. Big difference.

Celtics Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Derrick White | SF: Jaylen Brown | SF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis

Key bench players: SG: Payton Pritchard, SF: Sam Hauser, C: Al Horford, C: Luke Kornet

Injuries: Nothing significant to report.

Magic Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Cory Joseph | SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | SF: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero | C: Wendell Carter Jr.

Key bench players: SG: Anthony Black, PG: Cole Anthony, SF: Jonathan Isaac.

Injuries: Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are OUT for the playoffs.

Boston Celtics Vs Orlando Magic Total Over/Under Prediction

The first match produced merely 189 points, indicating the defensive nature of the series. Both are elite defensive squads, and even the high-scoring Boston couldn’t crack the 105 mark against the loaded Magic defense.

As for Orlando, their offense is in shambles due to the lack of guard depth, and even hitting 100 will be a huge achievement. I see them at least making it to 95, but then I also see the Celtics bettering their scoring tally.

Total: Points Over 202.5 for +110 at BetMGM
Celtics: Points Over 107.5 for -105 at BetMGM

Boston Celtics Vs Orlando Magic Playoffs Player Props

Jayson Tatum to score over 25.5 points: Tatum just had 17 points in Game 1, as he struggled to get going. It was way below his season average of 26.8 PPG. I expect him to hit his season average here.

Derrick White to nail over 4.5 triples: Derrick White was on fire in Game 1, nailing 7 triples on just 12 attempts. It was his best effort against the Magic all season long. I see him not going that far, but to 5 threes again.

Paolo Banchero to put up over 25.5 points: During Game 1, I expected the Celtics to limit Banchero to under 25, but he led all scorers with 36. I believe he will explode for 25+ again.

Main pick: Points: Derrick White: Three-pointers O 3.5 for +100 at BetMGM

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Game 1 Prediction

The Magic showed tremendous grit throughout the match despite an abysmal scoreline. They would have been able to get close if they had a viable point guard, but ifs and buts don’t win you games.

As of now, they are in trouble of getting swept, and Game 2 can bring a similar outcome. I see them playing better offense, but the Celtics may have another big win on their hands.

Safe Spread Pick: Boston Celtics -12.5 for -110 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

nba

Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!