Orlando has won three straight home playoff games (last loss coming in 2020). The Magic didn’t embarrass themselves in Boston, losing two mostly competitive games. The role players for the Magic will help out more at home. Give me the underdog straight up.

Derrick White continues to show why he is one of Bostons most valuable players and truly one of the leagues most underrated two way players. With that being said, this is a huge line for the combo guard in a game with an anemic total of just 196 points. The Magic are a good defense and play at at the leagues slowest pace. I would play this for a full unit at 17.5.

This is the new number with Jaylen Brown (questionable) added to the injury report along with Jrue Holiday (questionable) and Jayson Tatum (doubtful). Almost sure Tatum won't play and maybe the C's are simply playing some mind games regarding Brown and Holiday ... but in case they aren't and somewhat treating this as a "punt" game. The NBA definitely in this betting era monitors these late injury report adds in the playoffs so Brown going on late tends to make me think he could indeed sit. Orlando might win anyways.

I pounced on this when it was +108 on FanDuel less than 24 hours ago, but it’s still worth it at -128. This projection includes a 50% Jayson Tatum and he’s been listed as doubtful so if/when he is ruled out, Brown’s projection and line will increase. I think it’s important to act now on this. The line is lower because his over 1.5% is considerably lower on the road at 41.4% vs at home at 63.9% and Orlando defends the 3 much better at home (35%) vs road (38%). Even if Tatum comes back perhaps he is not as focused on shooting the three given his wrist injury and he will look to penetrate and kick out to teammates like Brown more than normal.

Jayson Tatum (wrist) is listed as doubtful for Game 3 after sitting out Game 2. The Celtics are up 2-0 in the series, so there is no need to rush him back right now. With Tatum out in Game 2, Jaylen Brown scored 36 points across 42 minutes. The key was, he took 19 shots from the field and attempted eight free throws. The Magic have a great defense and play well at home, but Brown’s increased usage rate still puts him in a favorable spot to hit this over.

Though down 2-0, the Magic have at least succeeded in making this an uncomfortable series for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum (wrist) is once again a doubtful, and worth noting that in a game he also missed at Orlando earlier this season (December 23), Boston lost 108-104 despite 35 points from Jaylen Brown, who scored nearly the same (35) on Sunday when the Celtics won, but didn't cover, in Game 2. Though Boston had geared it down and rested starters in the 96-76 loss at Kia Center on April 9, the Celtics were 0-2 in Orlando this season. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are combining for 58 ppg in this series, and a little help from elsewhere might give the Magic a legit chance. Play Magic

Sounds like Jayson Tatum might be able to go in this game. Orlando is a lot tougher at home than on the road, and they can certainly make this another rock fight and keep it close ... but I just don't see enough scoring options and enough ways to get to the hoop for them to match Boston shot for shot. The Celtics' playoff pedigree is obviously legit and they will be intent on trying to make short work of this series and get some rest before the second round. Taking care of business comfortably without Tatum in Game 2 had to be a blow to the Magic's confidence. Finding this under -200 works for me.