The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially underway and today we’re here to talk about Game 5 between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference Quarter-Final.
For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page, here.
Magic vs. Celtics | Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location: TD Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
- Date: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025
- Tipoff: 8:30 PM EST
(7) Orlando Magic vs. (2) Boston Celtics| Regular Season Matchups
- Celtics (76) @ Magic (96) – 4/09/25
- Magic (94) @ Celtics (121) – 1/17/25
- Celtics (104) @ Magic (108) – 12/23/24
Betting Odds
Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Magic vs. Celtics | Game 4 Recap
Result: Celtics (107) – Magic (98)
The Celtics and Magic look like two teams that just can’t stand each other. Hard fouls, physical defense and tough buckets have been the theme in this Eastern Conference Quarter-Final.
Orlando came into Game 4 fresh off a win on their home floor and hungry for more. The Magic kept it close from the jump, the game included just 3 lead changes but neither team ever lead by double digits.
Orlando’s two young superstars once again answered the call, combining for 55 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists; but it was the other guys that failed to show up. The team’s third leading scorer was Cory Joseph, who had 12 points, nearly outscoring the Magic’s entire bench (14).
Boston was lead by Jayson Tatum’s 37 points, with Brown, Porzingis and White all finishing with 18 or more points
The First Rule of Fight Club…
Orlando’s developed an identity of defensive, physical and in your face basketball; we’re seeing it on full display here in the first round. The team plays hard and while they may foul more than most teams, their defensive prowess can’t be ignored.
During the regular season, despite missing their top-3 players for a majority of the year, they finished with a top-2 defense. The Magic ranked #2 in defensive rating and #1 in opponent points allowed (105.5 PPG). Their style of play is tough but their offense needs just a little more life.
Both Franz and Paolo have been amazing in this series but it’s the Magic’s injuries and lack depth that have become glaring. They rank in the bottom-3 for bench points per game and outside of their top-2 players they don’t have a single player averaging double digits.
Their physical play style has lead to great defensive squad, but it’s their offensive struggles that will need to be revisited in the offseason.
Our Best Bets in Game 5 between the Celtics and Magic
Jaylen Brown o20.5 Points (+100 via BetOnline)
Jaylen Brown loves playing basketball at TD Garden. This year, Brown’s averaging 24.6 PPG at home and shooting 49% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. His shooting percentages take significant dive when he leaves Boston, shooting just 44% from the field and 27% from three.
He’s been hampered by a knee issue but he’s played 42+ minutes in 2 of the 4 games so far, averaging 23 PPG on shooting splits of 49/43/89. Brown’s free throw percentage through the first four games is what stands out the most, on the season he was a 76% free throw shooter and in last year’s playoffs we saw that dip to 66%.
JB’s been getting to the line for an average of 6.8 free throw attempts per game and Orlando’s a team that ranked 26th in personal fouls and 25th in opponent free throw attempts. Brown’s coming off 2 mediocre scoring nights with JT back in the lineup, but some of that has to do with his struggles on the road.
Tonight, back at TD Garden; feels like a big Jaylen Brown night could be on the menu.
Jayson Tatum o15.5 A/R (+100 via BetOnline)
Jaylen and Jayson, that’s the theme for tonight. Tatum’s attacking the glass in this series with Orlando, averaging 12.3 RPG in the 3-games he’s been in the lineup; but it’s playmaking that’s peaked my interest.
In the 3-games so far this series, Tatum’s finished with 4, 4, and 3 assists; despite finishing with 10, 7, and 10 potential assists. He’s been passing the ball but his teammates have had a bit of a tough time putting that ball in the basket.
JT’s averaging 7.0 APG in his L10 home games, to go along with 9.7 RPG. He’s cleared this line in 8 of those 10 home games, averaging 16.7 rebounds/assists combined. Tatum’s scored 36 and 37 points now in back to back games and the Magic are the on the chopping block; it’s time for Head Coach Jahmal Mosley to make some adjustments.
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