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NBA Playoff Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 4

After the Celtics bounced back in Game 2 with a 112-94 blowout victory, many expected Boston to take control of the series with a Game 3 win as well, especially since Orlando would be without starting point guard Rafer Alston, who was suspended for smacking Eddie House in the back of the head. That wasn’t the case at all as the Magic responded with a 117-96 thrashing of the defending NBA champs. Game 4 tips on Mother’s Day at 8:00 pm EST on TNT and NBA odds makers expect Orlando to hold serve at home again, listing the Magic as 4.5-point favorites with the total set at 192.

Dwight Howard, the 2009 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, lived up to that billing as he dominated the paint with five blocked shots and 14 rebounds to go along with his 17 points. Both Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu were matchup nightmares for Boston all night with the duo combining for 52 points while scoring both inside and out. While I’m sure the demanding Stan Van Gundy would expect better defense yet from his team, the Magic were much improved on that end of the floor over their horrible Game 2 performance, which saw them allow Boston anything it wanted on the offensive end. The big key for the Magic is Dwight Howard’s presence on the floor. He has a big advantage over any Celtics’ big with Kevin Garnett not in the lineup. It was when he got into foul trouble that the Celtics were able to cut a 20-point deficit down to a single digit game. He changes shots and he makes people think twice before attacking the rim. If you like Orlando to take care of Boston in Game 4, bet the Magic at -4.5 at Bookmaker and receive a 20 percent cash sign up bonus.

When Ray Allen has struggled, the Celtics have struggled so it will be imperative that he shoots well in Game 4 for Boston to have a chance. Allen has struggled from the field in both Games 1 and 3. In Game 3, he was just 3 of 13 from the field, including a horrid 0 of 5 from beyond the arc. Eddie House has been doing his best to pick up the slack. After scorching Orlando for 31 points in Game 3, he came right back and shot 6 of 7 for 15 points in Game 4. House is now 17 of 21 the last two games, including 7 of 8 from the three-point line. Boston has got to find ways to get him more shots. After being non-existent in Game 2, Pierce responded with a 27-point night. I would like to see him be a lot more aggressive earlier in games, however, as he did much of his damage in Game 3 when it was already too late. Defense remains the key for Boston as they cannot expect to win when they allow 117 points. The Celtics have been one of the elite defensive teams in the NBA the last two seasons and they are going to have to find a way to get stops with Kevin Garnett on the sidelines. One thing we know we can expect is an all out effort from Boston in Game 4, and if you think that will get the job done, bet the Celtics at +4.5 at Bookmaker.

Jimmy Boyd’s NBA picks are red hot so make sure you don’t do any NBA wagering on a game before seeing who Jimmy is siding with first.

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