Orlando Magic Boston Celtics Game 4 Predictions
Written May 9, 2009 by Jason Lowry
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The Orlando Magic moved one game closer to a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, as they took down the Boston Celtics 117-96 in game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. The Magic were without starting point guard Rafer Alston, but that didn’t matter as Rashard Lewis had a game high 28 points and Hedo Turkoglu had 24 points. What was really surprising was the Magic won this game with Dwight Howard sitting on the bench for most of the game with foul trouble. Howard still had 17 points and 14 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Courtney Lee returned to the team for game 3, and responded with 11 points off the bench. For Boston Paul Pierce had a team high 27 points, thanks in larger part to a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line. Rajon Rondo had 15 points and Kendrick Perkins chipped in 10, but the Celtics got just 8 points from Ray Allen, who continues to struggle with his shot in this series. Eddie House stayed on fire off the bench, as he scored 15 points on 6-7 shooting in just 21 minutes of play. Game 4 stays in Orlando, and the Celtics are in great need of a win, as they don’t want to fall down 3 games to 1. Here is a look at what I think each team needs to do in game 4, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.Â
What the Celtics have to do to win: The Magic’s size is really making things tough for the Celtics, and it gets even harder when their best shooter is ice cold. The Celtics need Ray Allen to snap out of his funk in game 4, or this could be the end to the World Champions run at a repeat. Rondo had a solid game, but the Celtics need this guy to have a great game if they want to win. I understand that House is a bench player, but when a guy is shooting the ball as well as House has in the last couple game, why wouldn’t you keep this guy on the floor a little more. The big men of Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis have to have a big game in game 4, and most importantly stay out of foul trouble. It won’t be easy on the road, but the Celtics have what it takes to win this game, they just have to start making more shots. Bet the Celtics +5 to win at Sportsbook.com.
What the Magic have to do to win: Even though Howard missed a lot of time with foul trouble, it really wasn’t much of a factor with Boston’s big men in the same situation. Howard is still the key to this offense, and I think they will continue to feed of his play the rest of the playoffs. This team is going to be a tough out for anyone, if Lewis and Turkoglu play as well as they did in game 3. Getting their point guard Alston back will really help this team, but its not as though Anthony Johnson played that bad in place of him. Johnson and head coach Stan van Gundy got into it in game 3, so it will be interesting if he limits his playing time, or the two are able to resolve their problems. The only problem I have had with the Magic in this series, is they just can’t put the Celtics away, as they have had a couple of 20 point leads disappear in no time. The important thing is they are still holding on for the win, and in the playoffs winning is all the matters. Bet the Magic -5 to win at Sportsbook.com.Â
My Prediction: Magic -5. I think that Orlando takes complete control of this series, and gets even closer to a matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the right to go to the Finals. I think Howard has a big game in game 4, and the Magic cruise to another victory.Â
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting this postseason, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds at Betfirms.
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One Response to “Orlando Magic Boston Celtics Game 4 Predictions”
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Given Orlando’s propensity for giving up leads, I see Boston finding a way to win. Allen should wake up with their back against the wall. If they defend the perimeter better Boston stands a good chance of winning, or at least covering the spread.
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