Game 2 Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic | Preview, Odds, Free Pick | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Tuesday May 18, 8:30PM on ESPN
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Basketball Picks

Last meeting: Conference Finals Game 1: Boston 92 – Orlando 88 (ATS win BOS +6.5)

Game 1 couldn’t have gone much better for the Celtics. Not only did they grab the victory on the road but they were able to get Paul Pierce and Ray Allen going as they combined for more than half of Boston’s point total. in addition to that they also stymied Dwight Howard inside while forcing the Magic’s outside shooters into a pathetic 5 for 22. It was a pretty complete performance but they still only won by 4 points after being seriously outplayed in the fourth quarter. Can they do it all again or did they just catch the Magic off guard after a long layoff? Were the fourth quarter results an indicator of tired veteran legs for Boston or that Orlando needed a few quarters to get their game back to playoff speed. Tonight’s game should answer all of these questions and more.

It goes without saying that Orlando needs to win tonight. This is a very talented team but it doesn’t have the kind of leadership to dig themselves out of a 2-0 hole against a veteran, championship caibre team like Boston. Even though they made it all the way to the Finals last year I am not sure this team has the right mix. The only player who consistently plays with heart in Jameer Nelson and it showed in Game 1 as he outplayed Rajon Rondo including an amazing 9 rebounds. To have any chance they are going to need him to continue to play big despite being the smallest player on the floor. Speaking of big, Superman Dwight Howard needs to step up big time tonight. Patrick Ewing needs to whisper in his ear that he needs to do the work before he gets the ball to get the easy shots he got consistently in the regular season. This is the playoffs and despite his natural athletic talent Boston is going to make him earn it.

The current line on this one is Orlando - 7.5

I don’t know how you can make the line bigger after a home favourite coughs up the advantage in G1 but that is what the oddsmakers have done. I see another close battle and I like the Celtics to take control of the series by coming up with another road victory so feel comfortable playing the C’s with the spread. After two straight sweeps by Orlando the shoe may be on the other foot now.

Boston – 95
Orlando – 92

Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Basketball Picks

Boston Celtics Betting Trends: