Celtics vs. Magic prediction, odds, line, spread, time: 2023 NBA picks, Dec. 17 best bets from proven model
The Boston Celtics (19-5) will be hosting the Orlando Magic (16-8) in a conference bout on Sunday. This is the third and final matchup of the regular season between these clubs. Boston leads the all-time series 74-55. The Celtics are also seventh in the NBA in scoring (117.8). On the opposite side, Orlando ranks 13th in points allowed (113.9).
Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. Boston is an 8.5-point favorite in the latest Magic vs. Celtics odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is 228. Before making any Celtics vs. Magic picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 8 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 97-51 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Magic and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Magic vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Magic spread: Boston -8.5
- Celtics vs. Magic over/under: 228 points
- Celtics vs. Magic money line: Boston -377, Orlando +298
- ORL: 17-7 ATS this season
- BOS: The Celtics are 13-0 in their last 13 games at home
- Celtics vs. Magic picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum scores from all three levels with ease and consistently grabs boards. The four-time All-Star leads the team in both points (27.5) and rebounds (8.8). He also averages three 3-pointers per game. In his last outing, Tatum finished with 30 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Guard Jaylen Brown thrives in the backcourt for Boston. Brown has outstanding athleticism to glide to the rim and score off the dribble. The California product puts up 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He's dropped at least 22 points in three of his last five contests. On Dec. 12 versus the Cavaliers, Brown totaled 25 points and four assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Magic can cover
Forward Paolo Banchero impacts the game in many different ways. Banchero utilizes his ball handles to generate space for passing lanes or clean looks at the rim. The Duke product gets downhill in a flash and absorbs contact in the lane. Banchero logs 20.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He's notched a double-double in three of his last six matchups. On Dec. 11 against the Cavaliers, Banchero had 20 points and 10 boards.
Center Moritz Wagner gives the Magic size and effort off the bench. Wagner can be a crafty scorer with a reliable perimeter shot. The Michigan product averages 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. On Dec. 1 versus the Wizards, Wagner had 18 points and six rebounds. Center Goga Bitadze is another effective player in the frontcourt. Bitadze has a soft touch around the rim and defends the paint constantly. The 24-year-old logged three straight double-digit scoring outings. In his last game, Bitadze put up 15 points and 11 rebounds. See which team to pick here.
How to make Magic vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 222 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
