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NBA Playoff Odds: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Game 5

Written by Jimmy Boyd

magic-celtics-game-5-51109 The reigning NBA Finals champs are not about to go quietly into the night. After suffering a 117-96 blowout loss in Game 3, to fall behind 1-2 in the series, the Celtics responded with a gutsy 95-94 win thanks to Glen “Big Baby” Davis’ 21-foot buzzer beater. The series shifts back to Boston on Tuesday night with TNT broadcasting the action at 8:00 pm EST. NBA odds makers are expecting another down-to-the wire battle in Game 5, listing the home Celtics as just 2-point favorites with the total set at 192.

Boston has only won back-to-back games once in the postseason, but now would be a great time to do it again. A win in Game 5 would allow the Celtics to keep their home court advantage, and it would ensure them a Game 7 in Boston if need be. Boston’s Game 4 victory was significant as it did it with defense, proving it could win on the road even when Ray Allen doesn’t shoot well. With the Magic guaranteed to give Boston their best shot in Game 5, the Celtics could benefit from Allen regaining his three-point touch. Allen was 0 of 5 from beyond the arc in Game 4 and is now 0 of 10 from three-point range the last two games. Reigning NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce was brilliant in Boston’s Game 4 win, scoring 27 points, and the Celtics also received great contributions from Rajon Rondo and Big Baby Davis, who both finished with 21 points. Once again, the key for Boston in on the defensive end as it is 4-1 in the playoffs when holding its opponents under the century mark. Dating back to 1996, Boston is 20-6 against the spread at home when facing Orlando. If you like this trend to continue, bet the Celtics at -2 at BetUS and receive up to 145 percent in sign up bonuses.

The Orlando Magic let a golden opportunity to go up 3-1 slip away Sunday night. They were able to win Game 1 in Boston and now they will try to pull ahead in the series with a win Tuesday night to get a shot to end it at home in Game 6. It will be easier said than done as Boston is 18-8 straight up against Orlando at home since 1996. The Magic got a monster Game 4 from Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard, who scored 23 points and added 17 rebounds while blocking 3 shots. The Magic received a solid effort from Rashard Lewis as well, who turned in a 22-point performance, but everyone else was pretty quiet offensively. Hedo Turkoglu, who was sensational in Orlando’s Game 3 win, scored just 11 points on 4 of 14 shooting. Orlando cannot win this series if Turk doesn’t perform well. It also didn’t help matters that Rafer Alston, who was suspended for Game 3 for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head, shot just 1 of 7 from the floor in his return. Orlando is 14-5 against the spread in its last 19 games as a road underdog and if you expect it to continue its strong road play, bet the Magic at +2 at BetUS.

Bet on the NBA Playoffs with Jimmy Boyd’s NBA expert picks tonight!

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