Celtics vs. Magic Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 3, 4/25
The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic face off in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series today, April 25, 2025, with the series shifting to Orlando’s Kia Center.
Celtics vs. Magic Predictions for NBA Playoffs Game 3 on ESPN, 4/25
After the Celtics dominated Game 1 and held serve in Game 2 despite injury concerns, the Magic look to leverage their home court to get back into the series.
Here’s a breakdown of the matchup, including storylines, odds, Celtics vs. Magic predictions, and how to watch.
Boston Celtics: Defending Champs Face Injury Questions
The Celtics, coming off a 61-21 regular season and a 2024 NBA championship, remain heavy favorites despite injury concerns. Jayson Tatum did not play in game two, and his status for Game 3 remains uncertain. Boston’s depth has been key, with Derrick White stepping up for 30 points in Game 1 and Jaylen Brown averaging 27.5 points against Orlando this season.
The Celtics’ league-leading 3-point attack (1,457 made threes this season) faces a Magic defense that excels at limiting long-range shots, setting up a critical stylistic clash. Can Boston’s playoff experience and offensive firepower overcome potential absences and Orlando’s home crowd?
Orlando Magic: Homecoming Sparks Hope for Upset
The Magic, who secured the No. 7 seed with a 41-41 record and a play-in win over Atlanta, are looking to channel their defensive identity to steal a game. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have carried the offense, with Wagner averaging 24 points per game this series, and Banchero averaging 34 points per game.
Orlando’s top-five defense, which led the league in limiting 3-point makes, kept them competitive in Game 1’s first half (49-48 at halftime) before collapsing. Without Jalen Suggs (season-ending injury), the Magic rely on their size and physicality to disrupt Boston’s rhythm. A raucous home crowd could fuel their bid to make this series competitive.
Celtics vs. Magic Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Celtics vs. Magic odds via FanDuel Sportsbook (as of April 24, 2025):
- Spread: Celtics -4.5 (-110) | Magic +4.5 (-110)
- Money Line: Celtics -192 | Magic +160
- Over/Under: 197.5 points (-110 O, -110 U)
The Celtics opened as 13.5-point favorites in Game 1 but saw the spread tighten to 10.5 for Game 2 after Tatum’s injury designation. The Game 3 spread reflects confidence in Boston’s depth but acknowledges Orlando’s home advantage.
The low total (197.5) aligns with both teams’ elite defenses and Orlando’s struggles to score (last in 3s made, second-fewest points per game).
Celtics vs. Magic Best Bet: Under 197.5 Points (-108 on FanDuel)
The best bet from our Celtics vs. Magic picks for Game 3 is under 197.5 points. Both teams boast top-tier defenses, with Boston holding teams to 107.2 points per game and Orlando a league leading 105.5 points per game.
The Magic’s offense, hampered by Suggs’ absence, ranks last in 3-point shooting and struggles against Boston’s switch-heavy schemes. Game 1, 189 total points, and Game 2, 209 total points, displayed they are capable of scoring on both sides of the set total.
A slower-paced, grind-it-out game is likely in Orlando’s home opener for our Celtics vs. Magic predictions, as Orlando desperately needs a win to save their championship hopes.
How To Watch Celtics vs. Magic Game 3 on ESPN Today
- Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app, FuboTV (free trial available)
- Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Fans can catch the game live on ESPN or stream it via the ESPN app with a cable login. FuboTV offers a free trial for cord-cutters, providing access to ESPN and other playoff games.
Celtics vs. Magic Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report
- Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum (wrist, questionable)
- Magic:
- No New Injuries Reported
Projected Starting Lineups
- Celtics: Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum (if cleared), Kristaps Porzingis
- Magic: Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter
Tatum’s status is the biggest variable. If he sits, Al Horford or Sam Hauser could slide into the starting five, with Boston leaning on White and Brown offensively. Orlando’s lineup remains consistent, with a heavy reliance on Banchero and Wagner.
How To Bet On Celtics vs. Magic at FanDuel Sportsbook & Claim Your $150 Bonus
FanDuel Sportsbook offers a user-friendly platform for Celtics vs. Magic predictions in Game 3. New users can claim a $150 bonus in bonus bets with a qualifying $5 wager. Here’s how:
- Visit FanDuel Sportsbook via our links to sign up.
- Create an account with your email, username, and password.
- Deposit at least $10.
- Place a $5+ first bet on any Celtics vs. Magic picks (e.g., spread, total, player props).
- If your bet wins, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets, valid for seven days.
FanDuel provides competitive odds, live betting, and player props like Jayson Tatum over 8.5 rebounds (+145) or Paolo Banchero over 18.5 points. Check FanDuel for updated lines and additional promos.
This Game 3 matchup pits Boston’s championship pedigree against Orlando’s defensive grit. While the Celtics’ depth and experience make them favorites, the Magic’s home crowd and stingy defense could keep it closer than expected. Tune into ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET to see our Celtics vs. Magic predictions and if Orlando can shift the series’ momentum.
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Player News
Brandin Podziemski had 11 points (3-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and four steals in Game 4 against the Timberwolves on Monday.
Podziemski was 3-of-14 from the field and missed all four of his three-point attempts. His 22.5 field goal percentage in this series is the worst for any player (min. 35 attempts) since Pero Antic shot 16.7 percent in the Hawks vs. Pacers series in 2014, according to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. Down 3-1 in the series now, the Warriors need Stephen Curry to return from his hamstring injury for Game 5, a miracle or both to get back in this series.
Jimmy Butler had 14 points (5-of-9 FGs), six rebounds, three assists and one block in Game 4 against the Timberwolves on Monday.
Despite the Warriors win in Game 1, Butler warned in postgame interviews that Stephen Curry is the team’s best player and it was going to be difficult to win games without him. After what’s transpired over the last three games, which the Warriors have all lost, he might’ve been underselling it. Butler wasn’t able to fill Curry’s shoes in Game 4. In fact, he was a team-worst -30 in 34 minutes in the seven-point loss. The Warriors will have their backs against the wall facing elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Julius Randle had 31 points (11-of-21 FGs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and four three-pointers in Game 4 against the Warriors on Monday.
Anthony Edwards had 30 points (11-of-21 FGs), four rebounds, five assists, two steals and six three-pointers in the Timberwolves’ 117-110 victory over the Warriors in Game 4 on Monday.
Derrick White had 23 points (6-of-12 FGs), three rebounds, two assists and six three-pointers against the Knicks in Game 4 on Monday.
White was the Celtics second leading scorer in Game 4, but he was the only consistent scorer for Boston outside of Jayson Tatum. The 30-year-old point guard got all of his points on six three-pointers and five free throws. Unfortunately for the Celtics it wasn’t enough as Boston was trailing when Tatum went down with a lower leg injury in the final minutes, essentially taking a comeback off the table. The Celtics will look to stave off elimination with their backs against the wall at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Jayson Tatum had 42 points (16-of-28 FGs), eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, two blocks and seven three-pointers against the Knicks in Game 4 on Monday.