Franz Wagner has scored at least 21 points in six of his eight games. For the season, he is averaging 22.0 points and shooting 49.6% from the field. When he faced the Celtics in the playoffs, Wagner scored at least 23 points in all five games. The one game he faced them during the regular season, he scored 23 points. Despite the addition of Desmond Bane, Wagner and Paolo Banchero are still the driving forces behind the Magic’s scoring attack. I like this over.

Different dynamics, especially on the Magic side, from the first-round playoff matchup last spring, but this high 220s total still seems a rather big hill to climb in Orlando (where there are no mountains, and, frankly, few hills, either! ). Though Jalen Suggs was out and Desmond Bane had yet to arrive from Memphis for the Magic, no games in that five-game series exceeded 209 points, and including the regular-season meetings, no scoreline exceeded 215. Three of the last six meetings a season ago, playoffs included, also didn't exceed 189 points. Different dynamics now for Boston, too, minus Jayson Tatum, and the Celtics were struggling to reach 100 points in recent games until running into the Wizards on Wednesday. Play Celtics-Magic Under.

The Magic sagged again on Tuesday in Atlanta, digging themselves an early hole while perhaps overlooking the Hawks minus Trae Young. If so, big mistake, as Quin Snyder's bunch would still hit nearly 56% from the floor. That should be a reminder for the Magic to keep focused, and they should vs. the Celtics, even if they're not quite the same minus an injured Jayson Tatum. Orlando did win two of three in the regular season (Celtics resting starters in the last Magic win) before bowing in the first round of the playoffs...with Tatum available. Since last spring, the Magic has added Gs Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane, while now it's the Celtics minus a key cog (Tatum), and scuffling themselves at 4-5. Play Magic.

Orlando really hasn't gotten going yet but is well-rested and back at home for the first time since Oct. 25. The Magic are also healthy. Boston's weakness is in the frontcourt in starting Josh Minott and "Mr. Vowel" Neemias Queta. The frontcourt is Orlando's strength. The Magic also have multiple good defenders to throw at Jaylen Brown. Obviously you should wait until close to tip, but I did check the injury report and all good for now.