The Boston Celtics are in Orlando tonight, May 8, to take on the Orlando Magic with the Eastern Conference Semi-finals all squared at 1-1. The Magic will be without point guard Rafer Alston after he was handed a one game suspension for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head. NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com still have the Magic as -5 point home favs over the Celtics with the over/under set at 189 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Celtics won Game 2 in dominating fashion by outshooting and outrebounding the Magic. Eddie House came off the bench and contributed 31pts after making 11 of 14 from the field, 4 for 4 from the arch and 5 of 6 from the line. Ray Allen finished with 22pts, Rajon Rondo had 15pts 11 rebounds and Kendrick Perkins had 16pts 9 rebounds. The Celtics outscored the Magic in the paint 40-24 and had a 26pt lead in the third quarter. Paul Pierce had a disappointing night. The All-Star forward scored just three points in 16 minutes, hitting a 3-pointer for the first basket of the game and sidelined for most with foul trouble. He was able to laugh it off Thursday, but the Celtics can't count on 31pts from House every game and vwill need Pierce at his best if they hope to get back home-court advantage. Pierce has averaged 20.9 ppg in nine playoff games. The Celtics went 1-2 on the road against the Bulls where they averaged 117.3 ppg and gave up an average 111.6 ppg. Two of their last three road games went into overtime.
With the Magic’s Rafer Alston suspended and Jameer Nelson already injured, the Orlando Magic are running out of point guards. The NBA suspended Alston one game Thursday for slapping Eddie House in the back of the head, leaving the team in the hands of 34-year-old Anthony Johnson and seldom-used Tyronn Lue. Johnson has averaged 4.9 ppg in eight games, while Lue hasn’t played in these playoffs, but averaged 3 ppg in 14 regular games. Starting shooting guard Courtney Lee is still questionable. Redick, who has 27 points through the first two games in Lee's place, has held his own against Ray Allen and been one of the few bright spots for Orlando. The Celtics played a much rougher game in Game 2 and the Magic will have to do the same if they want to get past the reigning Champs. The Magic went 2-1 at home against Philly where they averaged 95 ppg and gave up an average 88.3 ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Orlando.
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
- Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Celtics are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as an underdog.
- Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
- Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Celtics are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic
When: Fri, May 8, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Celtics +5
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic
The Bottom Line: The Magic are going to be hurting without their usual point guard. The Celtics will capitalize on their weaknesses. Go Celtics! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
