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Oddsmakers are giving the Magic virtually no chance at upsetting the reigning NBA champion Celtics.
The matchup for their best player is a big reason why.
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Celtics vs. Magic pick
Paolo Banchero, the Magic’s leading scorer, has struggled against Boston’s strong defensive unit over the past two seasons.
Since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Banchero is averaging just 21.8 points against the Celtics.
He shot just 43 percent overall and 31 percent from deep against Boston, who attacked Banchero with a revolving lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday.
Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NBAE via Getty ImagesCeltics vs. Magic prediction
This season, Banchero’s numbers have looked even worse, averaging 18 points on 37.8 shooting and 22.2 percent from deep.
Less than two weeks ago, as the Magic looked to position themselves in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament field, Banchero put up a stinker against the Celtics, scoring just 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
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Oddsmakers are expecting the Magic, as a whole, to struggle putting the ball in the basket as well.
Their team total is at 96.5, and the over/under for the game is 206.5, both of which are easily the lowest on the betting board for this weekend’s Game 1s.
The play: Paolo Banchero Under 24.5 points (-115)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
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