NBA Playoff Odds: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

After being dominated on its home floor in the first half of Game 1, Boston finally showed up in the second half, but it was too little too late as the Orlando Magic wasted no time stealing home court away from the Celtics. Boston’s sluggish start can be chalked up to a letdown after an emotionally and physically draining first round series with the Bulls. Game 2 tips Wednesday, May 6th at 8:00 pm EST on TNT and NBA odds makers feel Boston will have its revenge, listing the Celtics as 3.5-point favorites with the total set at 188.

The Celtics have dug themselves a hole again, just like they did in their first round series, by losing Game 1 and home court advantage along with it. Following suit with Game 1 of the Celtics’ first round series, Ray Allen struggled from the field, shooting just 2-of-12 for the game and 1-of-7 from the three point line. Without a big piece of the puzzle in Kevin Garnett, none of the remaining big three can afford to have off nights if the Celtics hope to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals. Allen’s poor shooting performance was magnified by Rajon Rondo shooting just 2-of-12 from the field as well. He was the beacon of consistency in Boston’s first round series, making great decisions with the ball, and getting into the paint at will. I’m sure he would like to forget Game 1 and his seven costly turnovers. If Boston hopes to prevail in this series, it is going to have to do it on the defensive end, just as it did a season ago on its run to the title. If you think Boston will bounce back strong in Game 2, bet the Celtics at -3.5 at BetUS and receive up to 145% in sign up bonuses.

The Magic closed out the regular season on a sour note, and their sluggish play continued in the first round against the 76ers when they blew multiple big leads. The Magic blew another big lead Monday, but this time they held on to put the reigning NBA Finals champs in a 0-1 hole. Orlando is the much fresher team coming into this series, and it really has a chance to make the margin of error very small for Boston by stealing Game 2 as well. The Magic can give the Celtics trouble by really speeding up the pace the way Chicago did against them. Orlando is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA, but it only held a three-point advantage in that department in Game 1. I expect the Magic to shoot better than 33 percent from beyond the arc as it averages 38.1 percent on the season, which is good for seventh in the NBA.  If the Magic are able to do so, it could spell trouble for Bean Town.  Orlando is a much improved defensive team this season, largely due to the maturity of Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. Orlando ranks sixth in points allowed, third in field goal percentage defense, and second in three point field goal percentage defense. If the Magic continue to defend the way they did in the first half, this could be a short series. If you like Orlando to put the Celtics in an 0-2 hole, bet the Magic at +3.5 at BetUS.

Jimmy Boyd is a spectacular 112-66 his last 178 (63%) basketball betting picks. Make sure you’re wagering on Jimmy’s NBA expert picks in the playoffs.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• NBA Playoff Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 6
• NBA Playoff Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 3
• NBA Playoff Odds: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Game 7
• NBA Playoff Odds: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Game 5
• NBA Playoff Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 4

Comments