The Boston Celtics couldn’t get the win, in Orlando, as the Magic have forced the reigning Champs into an Eastern Conference Game 7. The Celtics have the home court advantage as they hope to meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the finals. NBA oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Celtics as slim -2.5 point home favs over the Magic with the over/under posted at 185.5 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Magic did what they said they would, WIN! Dwight Howard came out stronger than Game 5 with a 23pt 22 rebound night, while Rashard Lewis added 20pts and Rafer Alston chipped in with 11pts. Mickael Pietrus and Courtney Lee came off the bench and combined for 17pts. As a team they made 30 of 82 (36.6%) from the field, 6 of 26 (23.1%) from the arch and 17 of 31 (54.8%) from the line. They won despite not being able to consistently do what they do best — shooting the basketball, be it from short range, long range or unguarded at the free-throw line. The Magic won it the way the Celtics win, by grinding and gutting it out. "We didn't run out of gas, I guess we just choked," guard Rajon Rondo said. "We turned the ball over and things did not go our way. We were not the more aggressive team. They fought back and stuck with it." The Magic are 3-3 SU on the road in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 94.8 ppg and given up an average 93.3 ppg.
The Celtics led the game up until the fourth quarter. With a slim 62-61 lead after the third the Magic blew away the Celtics 22-13 in the fourth to win 83-75. The Celtics top scorers were Rajon Rondo with 19pts 16 rebounds, while Paul Pierce added 17pts 9 rebounds and Kendrick Perkins chipped with 15pts 10 rebounds. Ray Allen might as well have not shown up, he went 0-7 from the arch and made 2 of 11 from the field for a low 5pt night. As a team they made 32 of 77 (41.6%) from the field, 3 of 18 (16.7%) from the arch and 8 of 13 (61.5%) from the line. The Celtics are 5-2 SU at home in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 104.2 ppg and given up an average 100 ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
- Magic are 4-14 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Boston.
- Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
- Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
- Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
- Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic
When: Sun, May 17, 2009 8:00 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Celtics -2.5
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic
The Bottom Line: The Celtics will put on their best performance in front of their hometown fans. Go Celtics! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
