Boston took care of business in Game 4, winning 107-98 to grab a commanding 3-1 series lead. Now back at TD Garden, the Celtics have a chance to close out Orlando and move on. Can the Magic find enough offense to extend their season, or will Boston’s defense tighten the screws even further?
Key Betting Trends
- Orlando ATS Record: 43-43-1 overall; 19-24 away
- Boston ATS Record: 40-45-1 overall; 30-13 home
- Head-to-Head Last 10: Boston 6-4 SU, 5-5 ATS
- Orlando Last 10 Games: 6-4 SU, 5-5 ATS
- Boston Last 10 Games: 6-4 SU, 5-5 ATS
Matchup Breakdown
Orlando’s offense has been an issue all season, and it continues to haunt them in this series. The Magic rank 27th in FG% (44.5%) and dead-last 30th in 3P% (31.6%). They’re also bottom of the league in made threes per game (11.1), which is bad news against a Celtics defense that ranks third in opponent 3P% (34.4%) and sixth in opponent FGM (40.1).
Boston’s defense, meanwhile, has looked playoff-ready, allowing just 106.6 points per game (3rd best) and controlling the glass with a rebounding advantage (43.5 RPG vs. Orlando’s 41.8 RPG). Their ball movement has been superior too, ranking third in assists (23.7 APG) compared to Orlando’s league-worst 22.9 APG.
After dropping Game 3 by two points, Boston responded like a championship team in Game 4. Their defensive intensity cranked up, forcing Orlando into rushed, low-percentage looks — a problem likely to magnify on the road.
The slow pace of both teams further leans toward Boston, who thrives when controlling tempo at home (34-9 SU record). If Orlando can’t shoot efficiently — and all evidence says they won’t — this game could get out of hand early.
