Celtics vs. Magic Prop Betting – It’s All About the 3s

The Orlando Magic offense is all about two things: Dwight Howard dunks and everybody else’s triples. The Magic took 2147 3s in the regular season this year and made 817. By comparison, their opponents took 1297 and made 444. The Magic hit at 38.1% and only gave up 34.2% behind the line. That right there was the key to the Magic’s success in winning 59 games. In the first round, the Magic struggled from deep in the first few games and found themselves down 2-1 against the 76ers. They located their stroke and they didn’t lose another game in that series, even when Dwight Howard was suspended for Game 6.

Boston had success from the behind the line too this year, both on offense and defense. They led the league in three point shooting accuracy at 39.7% and were fifth in three point defense, with their opponents shooting only 34.9%. As you can see, both teams can attribute a lot of their success to the three point arc, and that area should play a major part in determining who wins this series.

NBA bettors can get in on the three point action, as the BetOnline sportsbook is offering a prop bet on how many total three pointers will be made in tonight’s game.

Line: Total 3 pt Shots Made in the Game Moneyline

Over 15 3 Pt Shots -120

Under 15 3 Pt Shots -110

Here are some of the trends and statistics that we’ll need to handicap this prop bet:

• The Magic and Celtics have played 6 times this year, they’ve only gone over 15 3pt makes twice.

• In those 6 games, they two teams have averaged 12.7 3 pt makes.

• The Orlando Magic have averaged 7.7 3 pt makes so far in the playoffs.

• The Orlando Magic have given up an average of 6.5 3 pt makes so far in the playoffs.

• The Boston Celtics have averaged 8.4 3 pt makes so far in the playoffs (although they’ve played 7 extra overtime periods).

• The Boston Celtics have given up an average of 7.6 3 pt makes so far in the playoffs.

• The Magic average 9.4 3 pt makes this season.

• The Magic give up 5.2 3 pt makes on average this season.

• The Celtics average 6.5 3 pt makes this season.

• The Celtics give up 6.2 3 pt makes on average this season.

Analysis: The Magic and the Celtics both hang their hats on their defense. They were 1st and 2nd this year in defensive efficiency. They’re both good at three point defense, and at taking away their opponents’ strengths. Both teams rotate quickly on defense and are good at running good three point shooters off the line. As you can see, they’ve limited each from deep so far this year, and I don’t expect that to change in Game 3.

Pick: UNDER 15 3 Pt Shots Made