Celtics Host Magic NBA Game Odds

When the NBA Playoffs started, few if any, gave the Boston Celtics much of a chance to make any real noise.

But after back-to-back convincing wins over Orlando, they are now just two victories away from a trip to the NBA Finals.

As you get ready to place your Saturday night NBA basketball bets, should they once again be your pick?

NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Finals Game 3

No. 4 Boston Celtics at No. 2 Orlando Magic

Boston leads series 2-0 (2-0 against the spread)

Saturday, May 22: 8:30 p.m. ESPN

Betting Odds: Boston -3, Total Points 190

To say that the Boston Celtics jumping out to a 2-0 series lead is a surprise, would be an understatement. It is an absolute stunner. But after back-to-back tight wins, they’ve taken control of this series, as it shifts back to Boston.

The most incredible thing about Boston’s two wins in Orlando, was that there wasn’t one particular player that’s been a superstar, but instead it’s a team effort in the truest sense of the word. In Tuesday night’s 95-92 Game 2 win, they had four starters score in double figures.

Leading the way was veteran Paul Pierce, who scored 28 points in 40 minutes of play, before fouling out with under a minute to go. He wasn’t the only big contributor though, as the front court combination of Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett each added 10 points. And as always, point guard Rajon Rondo was a star, scoring 25 points and chipping in eight assists.

However, for all the talk about the Celtics offense, for the second game in a row, it was the defense that was their brightest star. In Game 2, they held Orlando to just 39 percent shooting from the field, a far cry from 46 percent they shot during the regular season.

And while Dwight Howard had a much better Game 2 (30 points), his teammates completely disappeared. Rashard Lewis had just five points on Tuesday, while Jameer Nelson- a star earlier in the playoffs- was held to nine.

With their backs against the wall, and in an absolute “must win,” game, the Magic will play much better on Saturday evening, the biggest reason you should make them your basketball bet.

For everything that went wrong in Game 2, the Magic once again outscored the Celtics in the fourth quarter, and actually led with just over three minutes to go. If Vince Carter hadn’t missed two free throws with 31 seconds left, there’s a good chance Orlando could have forced overtime, if not won straight up.

Either way, the play here is the Magic. While we’re not saying that they can come back in win this series, they will give their absolute best effort on Saturday night, in hopes that they can somehow steal Game 3 on the road, and force this series back to Orlando for a potential Game 5.

Expect better games from Lewis and Nelson, and for Howard to be similarly effective as he was Tuesday night.

Make the Magic your Saturday night basketball bet.

Aaron’s Pick: Orlando +3