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NBA Playoff Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 3

Written by Jimmy Boyd

celtics-magic-gm-3-5709 With the Celtics/Magic series all tied up at a game a piece, it shifts to Orlando for Game 3 on Friday, May 8th at 7:00 pm EST on ESPN. The Magic were able to do their job by stealing away home court in Boston, and now it’s just up to them to hold serve at home. NBA odds makers believe Orlando will be able to do so in Game 3 at least, listing the Magic as 4.5-point favorites with the total set at 189.

Boston dug itself a hole with a Game 1 loss just like it did in round one, and following suit, it was able to dig itself out of that hole to even the series with a decisive 112-94 win. Boston showed just how dangerous it can be when it is getting strong production from its bench. Guard Eddie House came off the pine to have a breakout game, scoring 31 points on 11 of 14 shooting, which included a perfect 4 of 4 performance from beyond the arc. On most teams, role players are incapable of having nights like that, but this unselfish Boston squad is willing to feed anyone who has the hot hand. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, who both struggled in Game 1, responded with solid nights. Allen scored 22 points on 7 of 15 shooting and Rondo recorded yet another playoff triple double, scoring 15 points and adding 11 rebounds and 18 assists. Boston’s blowout win in Game 2 could prove to be crucial to winning this series as it afforded the Celtics the luxury of getting reigning NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce plenty of rest. It didn’t look like it would be Pierce’s night when he got into early foul trouble, but after picking up the win, the Celtics have to be happy about him playing only 15 minutes. A much fresher Paul Pierce should be looking like his old self again in Game 3. If you think Boston can regain home court Friday night, bet the Celtics at +4.5 at BetUS and receive up to 145 percent in sign up bonuses.

Dwight Howard and the Magic said they weren’t satisfied with stealing away home court in Game 1, but that is certainly how they looked as the Celtics dominated them with a wire to wire victory. Offensively, the Magic did not play too badly. They had a very balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures. But defensively, they weren’t able to stop Boston from getting anything they wanted. The Magic were dealt one blow this season when they lost point guard Jameer Nelson. Now, they could be without his replacement, Rafer Alston, as he faces a possible suspension for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head. This could prove to be a blessing in disguise, however. With Dwight Howard serving a suspension in Orlando’s first round series, the Magic rallied to bury the 76ers on the road to advance to the second round. Orlando allowed Boston to score 112 points in Game 2, but it is only allowing its opponents to score 91.2 points per game at Orlando this season. If you think Orlando brings its defense in Game 3, bet the Magic at -4.5 at BetUS.

Bet on the NBA this postseason with Jimmy Boyd’s NBA expert picks leading the way!

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