The Boston Celtics will take on the Orlando Magic in a first-round NBA playoff series. Check out the matchups, predictions, odds.

SportsLine's model simulated Game 1 of Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for the 2025 NBA playoffs

The argument Howard probably should’ve made is that Orlando defends Boston better than everyone in the NBA. The Magic allow the fewest 3-point attempts per 100 possessions (32.5) while the Celtics shoot far and away the most (50). Orlando has also beaten Boston, the reigning champs, in six of their last nine meetings going back to December 2022.