Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics: NBA Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Tuesday at Amway Center, two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference—the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic—will square off. Coming off of their respective triumphs, both teams will be eager to continue their winning ways in this matchup.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

The Orlando Magic, who hadn't lost three games in a row since early November, were without a player or two on Sunday, but they still managed to beat the Miami Heat 121-114.

Jamahl Mosley's squad turned in a spectacular comeback after trailing by 20 points at halftime. They restricted their opponents to 38 points in the second half, including just eight in the fourth quarter, to lay the groundwork for an incredible comeback.

Cole Anthony made the most of his opportunity while Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs were injured. Anthony scored 35 points, grabbed eight boards, and dished out nine assists in only 28 minutes of play.

After losing in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round last season, the Magic improved their record to 18-12. They are still in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and are on track to make the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Just three games into a seven-game homestretch, the hosts will want to bounce back at home on Tuesday. However, they'll face what is likely to be their most challenging home test yet before finishing the year with games against the Heat, Knicks, and Nets.

On Sunday, the Boston Celtics got their vengeance for a shocking 108-117 loss at home to the Chicago Bulls only 48 hours earlier. They rolled to a 123-98 win at the United Center.

After a twelve-minute scoreless opening, Joe Mazzulla's squad dominated the second, third, and fourth quarters, outscoring their opponents by a total of 58 points while holding them to just over 23.

In leading his team to a convincing road victory, Jayson Tatum recorded his first triple-double, setting new season highs in points (43) and rebounds (15). He also dished out 10 assists.

The Celtics, now 22-6 on the season, are putting further pressure on the Cavaliers, who are now atop the Eastern Conference with a 47-57 record and a commanding lead over the rest of the pack.

The offensive firepower of Tuesday's visitors will be tested as they face the Magic, who have allowed the second-fewest points per game (103.9), second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Orlando Magic x Boston Celtics Team News

Although he has begun participating in fitness and ball-handling exercises, Paolo Banchero (oblique) will likely sit out Tuesday's game as he gets closer to a return to action.

For the home team, Franz Wagner is also out with an oblique injury, while Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris are both very doubtful due to injuries to their ankles and hamstrings, respectively.

Moritz Wagner's availability for this game is uncertain since he just played two minutes before leaving the Heat game due to a knee issue.

After sitting out last time with a back problem, 27-year-old Sam Hauser is the lone Celtics injury doubt for this game.

Even though Xavier Tillman was questionable for that match, the forward finished playing—albeit he only got four minutes of action.

Our predictions

Handicap (incl. overtime): Boston Celtics (-5.5) @ 1.44 on Sky247.ng

To prevent a third consecutive loss to the almost full-strength Celtics, the Magic must perform well in this matchup against the defending champs, who are playing without their top two players.

In what promises to be a closely fought match, we are rooting for the away team to cross the finish line first.

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