Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 7 Predictions
Written May 17, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The Boston Celtics are headed to their second game 7 of the playoffs, as they are set to square off with the Orlando Magic Sunday night for the right to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic made sure of a game 7 with a solid 83-75 win on their home floor in game 6. Dwight Howard was nearly unstoppable down low finishing with 23 points and 22 rebounds. Rashard Lewis also helped out with 20 points and both Rafer Alston and Michael Pietrus finished the game with 11 points. For the Celtics they just really couldn’t get it going offensively, as Rajon Rondo led Boston with just 19 points. Paul Pierce added 17 and Kendrick Perkins helped out with 15, but that was it for the Celtics. Ray Allen had just 5 points, and has been completely off this entire series. Glen Davis also struggled to get it going in game 6, as the big man had just 6 points. The series is heading back to Boston for game 7, and here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win the game, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.Â
What the Magic need to do to win: The Magic learned from their mistakes in game 5, as they made sure Howard got it going in game 6. The big man is unquestionably the most important part of this Magic team, and when he gets it going the Magic are as good as it gets in the NBA. Lewis was big in game 6, and the Magic will need him to play at that same level if they want to win on the road. Hedo Turkoglu had just 7 points in game 6, and the Magic need him to be more of a threat offensively in the deciding game 7. JJ Redick was ice cold in game 6, going 0-7 from the field, and they could really use him to hit a couple big shots. Defensively this team has what it takes to win on the road, but if they don’t get the ball to Howard, its going to be really tough for this team to win. Bet the Magic +2.5 at Sportsbook.com.
What the Celtics need to do to win: If their is any way Ray Allen can find a way to start shooting like one of the best shooters in the game, the Celtics have a great shot at winning this game. Allen can put up 30 points if he gets on a roll, and that is just what this team needs. If Allen is unable to get it going, they are going to need big time games from the rest of the starting lineup. Paul Pierce needs to play more like the Finals MVP, and not like he did in game 6. Rondo is what gets this team going, and he could be the most important part of this team’s chances of winning. Rondo had 16 rebounds to go along with his 19 points, and if he can put up near triple-double type numbers, the Celtics should move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The bench wasn’t much of a threat in game 6, scoring just 13 points, and they need someone to step up and give this team some more scoring. Howard is going to get his points, but the Celtics need to limit his touches as much as possible. The Celtics have the advantage when it comes to game 7’s, and that could be a big factor in this one. Bet the Celtics -2.5 to win at Sportsbook.com.Â
My Prediction: Celtics -2.5. Home teams seem to have such a big advantage in game 7’s, so that is a big reason to like the Celtics in this one. If the Celtics are going to win this game, you have to think they win by 3 at least 3 points. I look for Boston’s big 3 of Rondo, Allen, and Pierce to all have a big game, as the Celtics move on to take on the Cavaliers in the East Finals.Â
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting this weekend, check out these great NBA picks and make sure you have the latest NBA odds for the game at Betfirms.
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One Response to “Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game 7 Predictions”
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i agree wiyh you and its not hard to being a celtics fan and all but i think you hit the nail on the heard rondo cannot carry this team and he definetley cant fill garnetts shoes so our big time players have to come to play tonight and if no one else has notticed eddie house has been on fire all playoffs yet he is not fed the ball nearly enough for someone who is knocking them down as he has been if he has a big night look for the game to get out of reach for the magic peirce will let the truth be known tonight to make up for that truly embarasing game 6
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