Categories
NBA

Free Pick: Boston vs. Orlando NBA Lines & Handicapping Preview

NBA: Celtics vs Magic Predictions

NBA betting action sees the Boston Celtics taking on the Orlando Magic on Tuesday December 23 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.

The Celtics just made the big deal and it was all about the future.

Bet on NBA Hoops

Boston Celtics (10-15) vs. Orlando Magic (10-20)
Tuesday December 23
7:00PM
Amway Center – Orlando, FL
FSFL
NBA Betting Lines: Orlando -2.5
NBA Betting Total: 198
***2014 BONUSES***
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Click here to view today’s… ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview

That doesn’t mean they are still not a cut above some of the other terrible teals in the East.

Boston

The Celtics made the big deal with Dallas and have gone 1-1 since, winning at home and losing on the road – neither was a surprise given the opponents.

[dfads params=’groups=63742&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

It is hard to tell what the loss of Rondo will mean to the way the team plays in the short term but I think it will not be very dramatic because his replacement, Marcus Smart, is very similar in that his offensive game is light on shooting and that he can contribute in terms of hitting the glass and setting up teammates.

I have to admit I don’t watch all of the Boston games but I think another change they have made is putting Tyler Zeller into the starting lineup.

He is an efficient scorer and he and Kelly Olynyk have different kinds of games where you can actually play them together.

Olynyk is not a physical force but he can draw bigs away from the hoop which helps undesized PF Jared Sullinger.

[dfads params=’groups=63727&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

The Celtics have some mismatches they can create and exploit.

Orlando

The Magic are living down to expectations as they come into this one on a 4 game losing streak.

Top pick Aaron Gordon has been a non-factor due to injury and this team, like so many others, just seems to have a lineup that doesn’t make a ton of sense.

One thing they are not is small up front.

Tobias Harris is a PF playing small forward yet they are getting out-rebounded most nights.

Gordon would have helped but I think the Magic are a case of the challenge of drafting unfinished products.

The top players for Orlando are Harris and C Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. He is averaging 18/11 but because he does it in Orlando and without starring on SportsCenter nobody talks about him.

He is the one constant on this team and if you are going to beat Orlando you have slow him down. The same cannot be said for rookie PG Elfrid Payton.

[dfads params=’groups=63741&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

He was a popular sleeper but he is nowhere near effective.

NBA Handicapping Trends:

  • Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
  • Under is 5-1-1 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
  • Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
  • Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
  • Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
  • Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
  • Celtics are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
  • Celtics are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Orlando.
  • Under is 14-6-1 in the last 21 meetings in Orlando.

NBA Prediction: Boston +2.5

Neither of these teams are confidence inspiring.

NBA Score prediction: Orlando 100 – Boston 99

In those kinds of situations I tend to go with the underdog. It just makes more sense.

Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.

[dfads params=’groups=63706&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.