Celtics vs. Magic in 2025 NBA playoffs: Predictions, picks, odds

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The 2025 NBA playoffs will pit the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic in a first-round series beginning Sunday afternoon at TD Garden in Boston.

The defending champion Celtics (61-21) claimed the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference on the strength of their record-setting shooting from 3-point range. No team in NBA history has ever made more 3-pointers in a single season than the 1,457 Boston hit this year with Derrick White (265), Payton Pritchard (255) and Jayson Tatum (250) leading the way. Keep an eye on All-Star swingman Jaylen Brown's ailing right knee. He likely won't be at full strength for this series.

The Magic (41-41) enter the playoffs as prohibitive underdogs, even after blowing out the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament. Orlando will have to rely on its defense to have any chance of topping the more talented Celtics. The Magic held their opponents to a league-low 105.5 points per game during the regular season.

However, Orlando did win the regular-season series between the two teams 2-1.

Here is everything you need to know for the Celtics-Magic series, with expert picks, predictions, odds and how to watch:

Celtics vs. Magic: NBA playoffs picks and predictions​

USA TODAY: Clean sweep for Celtics​

Here are USA TODAY's staff picks for the Celtics-Magic series:

• Lorenzo Reyes: Celtics in five
• Heather Tucker: Celtics in four
• James Williams: Celtics in five
• Jeff Zillgitt: Celtics in six

NBA.com: Celtics in four​

Steve Aschburner writes: "(T)he Magic have been playing well recently ... and see this as an opportunity to salvage an injury-riddled season that began with loftier goals. But that’s not in the same time zone as chasing a 19th championship banner. Eventually that could turn into postseason pressure – but not yet. The Celtics were grumpy last year when Miami took Game 2 in the opening round. Given the challenges ahead, Boston locks in to finish this one fast."

ESPN: All chalk with Celtics​

ESPN had eight staffers submit picks, and none of them even have the Magic taking the series past six games.

CBS Sports: Celtics going deep​

Celtics losing in the first round? Hah. Every one of the CBS Sports analysts have the Celtics defeating the Magic on their way to reaching the NBA Finals.

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Celtics vs. Magic: NBA playoffs odds​

The Celtics are favored to defeat the Magic in their first-round playoff series, per BetMGM odds (as of Saturday, April 19):

• Series winner: Celtics -5000 (Magic +1600)
• Game 1 Spread: Celtics (-13.5)
• Game 1 Moneyline: Celtics (-1000); Magic (+625)
• Game 1 Over/Under: 205.5

Additionally, there are betting options for how long the series lasts:

• Celtics in four: +115
• Celtics in five: +155
• Celtics in six: +550
• Celtics in seven: +850
• Magic in seven: +3500

Celtics vs. Magic: NBA playoff schedule, TV info​

The first-round NBA playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic will begin Sunday, April 20, and continue through at least Sunday, April 27.

ABC, ESPN and TNT will each carry at least one game of the series, while details for Games 5 through 7 (if necessary) have yet to be announced. Cord-cutting fans can stream the action on Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers.

All times Eastern

• Game 1: Magic at Celtics | Sunday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo
• Game 2: Magic at Celtics | Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
• Game 3: Celtics at Magic | Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo
• Game 4: Celtics at Magic | Sunday, April 27, 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
• Game 5: Magic at Celtics | TBA*
• Game 6: Celtics at Magic | TBA*
• Game 7: Magic at Celtics | TBA*

*- if necessary

Watch ABC/ESPN Celtics vs. Magic games on Fubo

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Celtics vs. Magic 2025 NBA playoffs: Predictions, odds, schedule

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