World Cup betting players watching Game 2 between Boston and Orlando would have compared Vince Carter's missed free throws to Italy's Roberto Baggio's penalty miss in the Rose Bowl, which handed the trophy to Brazil. Unlike Baggio, the Magic have a chance to bounce back in Game 3, but it won't be easy on the road in Boston, even though they've had success there lately.
Bet Celtics Magic – Saturday, May 22, 8:30 PM ET
Carter's first misses at the line of the game was the death blow in a 95-92 loss for the Magic, as they were down by three at the time with 31.9 seconds left and that would have pulled them to within a point of the Celtics. It definitely stirred memories of Nick Anderson's critical misses in Game 1 of the 1994 Finals against Houston, which they ultimately lost in four straight. At least they competed better for 48 minutes after Game 1's slow start, and Dwight Howard had a game-high 30 points to go with eight boards, and he was even 12-of-17 from the free-throw line. But the Magic are still struggling with their shooting touch, as they shot 39.4% from the field.
Paul Pierce was hot from the beginning and never cooled off, going for 28 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. RajonRondo added 25 points and eight assists for the Celtics, who shot 45.9% from the floor. It was a tough night for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, as Allen was just 1-of-6 for four points in 39 minutes, but he played solid defense. Garnett was 5-of-16 for 10 points, but he added nine boards and was the Celtics' defensive leader, as per usual.
NBA betting odds have the Celtics as an early 3-point favorite at home, but the Magic aren't afraid to go into Boston, where they have won five of their last seven, including a pair of wins in last year's playoff elimination of the Celtics. Boston is peaking at just the right time, and with Pierce and Garnett in particular battling injuries throughout the season, maybe they're rested for this time of year. Pierce has been freed up from the defensive responsibility of guarding LeBron James in the last series against Cleveland, and the Magic haven't been able to slow down "The Truth". As for the Magic, they can come back to pull them out of this hole, given their history in Boston, and we think they will. The Magic's 25 road wins during the regular season was second to only Boston and Cleveland, and they're also 4-0 in the playoffs. This is a tough team, and they won't panic in the bright lights of the TD Banknorth Garden.
Online sports betting pick: Orlando +3
