With Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe out due to injuries, Boston’s already non-impressive bench is now limited to just three players used as a part of the rotation. And one of those three guys, guard Eddie House, has finally stepped up in the last couple of games, after some terrible performances early in the playoffs. House averaged just 4.0 points in the first six games against Chicago, but then scored 16 in the decisive Game 7 of that series, and followed it up with 31 points (on 11/14 shooting) in Game 2 against the Magic. If House continues to contribute from the bench, Boston’s chances of advancing to face the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, are steadily improving. Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo keeps on playing at a fantastic level. Rondo had his third triple double of the postseason on Wednesday, and is now averaging 18.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 11.8 assists in the playoffs.



The Celtics are favorites to win tonight, they are a more experienced team, and will also have major advantage in the backcourt due to Orlando’s injuries and suspension to Rafer Alston.

The Magic are on a 4-10 ATS slide overall, and they’re on further ATS skids of 1-5 as a playoff chalk, 3-11 against Atlantic Division foes and 5-15 laying less than five points iat home.

The Celtics snapped an 0-6 ATS dive in conference semifinal games by winning and covering Wednesday, and they are on additional ATS upticks of 7-1-1 on the road and 7-0-1 as a playoff underdog.