Celtics-Magic Line Opens at -2 for Christmas Game
With the Celtics-Magic line opening at -2, Boston finds itself in a rare situation as an underdog, where they are 6-0 Against The Spread. Betting action on the spread for this second scheduled NBA Christmas Day game was relatively even.
The Celtics come into this game on fire, having won 14 straight. They will play an Orlando team that is four games behind Miami in the Southeast Division. Orlando has only won two of their last ten games.
The Magic engaged in two blockbuster trades last weekend that brought Gilbert Arenas from Washington and Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark from Phoenix. They gave up Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat, plus a 2011 first-round draft pick and cash, in the deals. It remains to be seen how well this new look Magic team pairs up with the red hot Celtics.
Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy said of his team’s chances in a very competitive conference: "I think Miami and Boston are very, very good. Chicago, Atlanta and New York are all playing well and are good. And I think we're a total unknown.”
These two teams have split their last four meetings.
The Celtics are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. They are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Magic are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic. They are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. win.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
