Magic vs. Celtics | NBA Analysis, Odds, & Best Bets (4/23)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 2 between the Magic and Celtics in their Eastern Conference Quarter-Final.

For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page, here. 

Magic vs. Celtics | Series Information

Matchup Information

• Location: TD Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
• Date: Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
• Tipoff: 10:00 PM EST

(7) Orlando Magic vs. (2) Boston Celtics | Regular Season Matchups

• Celtics (76) @ Magic (96) – 4/09/25
• Magic (94) @ Celtics (121) – 1/17/25
• Celtics (104) @ Magic (108) – 12/23/24

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Magic vs. Celtics| Game 1 Recap

Tatum and the Celtics are looking to go back-to-back.

Result: Celtics (103) – Magic (87)

The Celtics and Magic kicked their series off on Easter Sunday, but it was far from a holiday. The two teams went at each other from the opening whistle to the moment the last horn blew. For the Magic, it was their two young superstars leading the charge.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 59 of the Magic’s 86 points, 36 of those points coming from Banchero alone. Orlando’s bench was a non-factor in Game 1, scoring a combined 17 points and allowing this year’s Sixth Man of the Year, Payton Pritchard to score 19 points of his own.

For the Celtics it was Derrick White and Payton Pritchard leading the way, White led the Celtics with 30 points and made 7 3s in the process. Pritchard played 25 minutes, scored 19 points and shot 75% from the field. After Tatum’s fall near the end of Game 2, it’s looking he’s trending towards sitting out Game 2. 

With that being said, the Celtics have plenty of guys they can turn to; who steps up remains to be determined.

O Captain! My Captain! 

With Tatum out of the lineup tonight, the Magic will have every opportunity to take advantage. Last year Tatum led the Celtics in points, rebounds, and assists on their way to a championship. This year, depending on how many games he’s forced to miss, they’ll need to fill the gap.

The Magic got the exact kind of Game 1 you’d want from your young superstar. Banchero finished with 36 points and shot over 50% from the field. He played 42 minutes in a 17-point loss and with the threat of going down 0-2, I’d expect his minutes to remain consistent.

Our Best Bets in Game 2 between the Timberwolves & Lakers

Jrue Holiday o1.5 3s (-110 via BetOnline)

The postseason has begun and that’s when Jrue Holiday plays his best basketball. In Game 1 of this Eastern Conference Quarter-Final, Holiday hit 3/4 3-point attempts, playing 33 minutes in the Celtics 17-point win. He was needed for much in Game 1, both Derrick White and Payton Pritchard took care of business.

To no one’s surprise, it was Jrue’s defensive play that stood out. He spent the most time of all starters guarding Paolo Banchero and the only defender with any real success. Jrue guarded Paolo for just over 5 minutes of game time and just under 24 possessions.

On these 24 possessions, Paolo was 0/4 from the field with 0 points, 2 assists and 1 turnover. Banchero finished the game with 36 points and shot 60% against the trio of Horford, Brown and Tatum. The Celtics will need Jrue out there on the floor, even more so in a close game.

Jrue’s cleared this line in 5 straight games against the Magic, taking 5+ attempts in 3 of the 5 games. Last year Jrue raised his 3-point shooting percentage to 40% in the postseason  and tonight they’ll need him to put some pressure on this Magic defense.

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