Don’t get fooled by the disparity in records. This can very well be an intense battle. The Orlando
Magic lead the regular season series, 2-1, so the Boston Celtics are hungry to tie things up.
Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

HOME: Orlando Magic (17-29, 11-12 at home)
Projected starting five:
● Markelle Fultz
● Gary Harris
● Franz Wagner
● Paolo Banchero
● Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic are on a stretch that’s similar to their record. They have three of their last four and
eight of their last 12. On Sunday, they got blasted by the Washington Wizards, 138-118, which
was the highest they’ve given up this season.

But, given the pair of wins just this past month, this will be a confident bunch. Leading Rookie of
the Year candidate Paolo Banchero will be the main man as per usual. He has 24.7 points per
game in three meetings with the Cs, including 31 in their most recent matchup. Second-year
forward Franz Wagner (20.5 PPG) should continue being there as well, especially now that he’s
on a hot streak: 23.8 PPG on 54.1% shooting in his last nine games.

The Magic are scoring 114.1 PPG and surrendering 117.9 PPG in their last 10 outings. They
are, however, 8-3 ATS over their past 11 home games.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (35-12, 17-7 on the road)

Projected starting five:
● Marcus Smart
● Jaylen Brown
● Jayson Tatum
● Al Horford
● Robert Williams

Everything’s just going well for the defending Eastern Conference champs. After a
come-from-behind win in a finals rematch versus the Golden State Warriors, they then eked out
a 106-104 win against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, extending their winning streak to a
league-high nine.

Such a stretch is what they need to have some edge and tie the season series. It’s a heck of a
bonus as Jayson Tatum (31.2 PPG) is also expected to be on the floor this time unlike the
previous meeting. He scored 31 and 40 points in the two games opposite Orlando this season.

Jaylen Brown (26.9 PPG) will be on his third game back from an adductor injury. He’ll look to be
better as he is only at 20.7 PPG on a rough 36.2% shooting in the season series. Regardless,
secondary guys Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, and Derrick White should be on
attack mode too.

Boston is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

PREDICTION:
Handicap: The Celtics (-7.5) tie the season series but fail to cover the spread.

Over/Under: The Celtics may turn this into a defensive game. I’d prefer the under 232.