Magic Vs Celtics

The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are set to clash in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series tonight at the Kia Center in Orlando. The Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 series lead after securing victories in the first two games at TD Garden. Game 3 is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET.

Boston's star forward, Jayson Tatum, will miss Game 3 due to a right distal radius bone bruise sustained during a hard fall in Game 1. The injury has significantly impacted his ability to perform key basketball movements such as shooting, dribbling, and rebounding. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed the severity of the injury, labeling Tatum as doubtful for the game. 

Despite Tatum's absence, the Celtics managed a 109-100 victory in Game 2, with Jaylen Brown leading the team with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kristaps Porziņģis contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Al Horford added 10 boards. The Celtics outrebounded the Magic 46-34. 

On the Magic's side, Paolo Banchero scored 32 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists in Game 2. Franz Wagner added 25 points, and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds. However, Orlando was limited to no more than 100 points for the second consecutive game. 

The Celtics are 4.5-point favorites for Game 3, with the over/under for total points set at 197.5. Boston's money line is at -218, while Orlando's is at +180. citeturn0search18

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters the first full week of the 2025 NBA playoffs on a 156-116 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It is also 22-11 (67%) on top-rated NBA against-the-spread picks this season.

Former NBA star Dwight Howard has predicted a major upset in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, picking the Orlando Magic to defeat the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a seven-game first-round series. Howard argues that Orlando's strong defense, particularly the challenge of stopping a healthy Paolo Banchero, gives them a significant edge. However, with injuries to key players like Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner, and the Magic being heavy underdogs, Howard's upset prediction seems improbable. 

The Celtics and Magic have met in the playoffs three times before, with Orlando leading the all-time series 2-1. This is their first postseason meeting since 2010.

As the series shifts to Orlando, the Magic will look to leverage their home-court advantage and strong defensive play to turn the tide against the Celtics. However, Boston's depth and playoff experience make them formidable opponents, even without their star player

Fans can expect an intense and competitive Game 3 as both teams vie for control of the series.