adding:
The Orlando Magic have started the season in a very impressive manner. Perhaps not as impressive as the Celtics but their game hasn't been any worse I'd say. A 5-0 road record should get everyone's attention by now. However the Celtics will be a popular bet at this short number, but I'm not convinced they will stay in this one until the last couple of minutes. The thing is, even though the big three definitely have the talent and work well with each other, they have played a lot of minutes by now and Rivers is forced to make some adjustments and give either Pierce or Allen some rest. That doesn't mean they sit out but a slashed number of minutes for one or both of these players is in order.
Garnett and Howard will be a great matchup, I'd take Jameer over Rondo but the backcourt battle is pretty tight overall. What I see here as a potential game cracker is the production of Hedo and Lewis. Especially with limited minutes for one or two of their big three.
The Magic have been on fire from the perimeter and they can run with teams all night, as seen in recent matches.
Crucial factor here? The Celtics are still unbeaten and have covered all games except last one against Miami, where they could have lost easily.
I am treating that as a bump in their momentum and I don't think they should be favored here at all.
Magic ML (2.03 @ Pinnacle) 7 units
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