\nFriday, December 25: 2:30 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are some NBA betting trends which may impact this game:<\/strong><\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST NBA BASKETBALL GAMBLING PICKS!! —–><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Boston : 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games Orlando : 5-1 SU in their last 6 games Last year, in a thrilling Eastern Conference Semi-Final, the Orlando Magic, edged the Boston Celtics in seven games. The Celtics will seek revenge, after already losing once to Orlando earlier this season.<\/p>\n Leading the way for the Celtics are the usual cast of characters, namely Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The three veterans were the core of the 2008 NBA Championship team, and it shouldn\u2019t come as any surprise that they are this year\u2019s backbone as well. However, as good as they\u2019ve been, it was reported just Thursday morning that Pierce will be out the next two weeks with a knee injury. The loss of Pierce, the team\u2019s second leading scorer, is a huge blow. But despite the big three getting most of the headlines, a ton of credit needs to go to the development of point guard Rajon Rondo. The fourth-year player from Kentucky, has come into his own, and may even make his first All-Star game in 2010. He\u2019s currently averaging 12 points, and almost 10 assists and three steals per game, while also shooting 55 percent from the floor. Needless to say, the Celtics aren\u2019t 22-5 without him.<\/p>\n The Celtics also boast the NBA\u2019s top defense, one that allows opponents just 92 points per game. In addition, the opposition shoots just 43 percent from the floor, which is the fourth best defensive field goal percentage in the league.<\/p>\n As for Orlando, they are atop the Eastern Conference\u2019s Southeast Division, despite getting some different production than last year. Gone is Hedu Turkoglu, and in his place has stepped a new leading scorer, Vince Carter, who was acquired in a trade with New Jersey. In addition to Carter, Dwight Howard averages 18 points per game, and Rashard Lewis averages 15, proving that Orlando has a pretty good \u201cBig Three,\u201d of their own.<\/p>\n On defense, everything is centered around Howard, the NBA\u2019s premiere force down low. Howard currently leads the league in both rebounds (13.1) and blocks (2.48), and is someone you constantly have to account for.<\/p>\n If you plan on betting this game, expect it to be low scoring, as both these teams play absolutely exceptional defense. As we mentioned earlier, the Magic won this season\u2019s earlier meeting, by the score of 83-78.<\/p>\n Expect this game to be in the 80\u2019s as well, and expect the Magic to win again.<\/p>\n As well as the Celtics have been playing, it just seems impossible for them to beat a team of Orlando\u2019s caliber without Pierce. He is not only a leader in the locker room, but on the floor as well. He will be sorely missed. And because of it, Orlando will get the win.<\/p>\n
\nBoston: 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
\nBoston: 7-6 ATS on the road<\/p>\n
\nOrlando: 6-0 SU in their last 5 home games
\nOrlando: 12-2 SU at home<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/basketball\/sportsbook_basketball_300x600.gif\")
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