Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics, Game 2 (Magic lead 1-0)
It was very apparent that the Boston Celtics had zero energy for the first half of their Eastern Conference semifinal opener on Monday night. After all, Boston was less than 48 hours removed from a grueling series against the Chicago Bulls, and the Magic were rested.
Everything was in place for Orlando to steal Game 1, and that’s what the Magic did – jumping out to an incredible 28-point lead before nearly squandering it in the fourth quarter. But a win is a win, and the Magic have now won three straight road playoff games.
But oddsmakers expect Boston to regroup tonight, as the C’s are 4-point favorites on WagerWeb.com, with an over/under of 188.
Boston definitely should expect more from guards Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo tonight. Allen was outplayed by counterpart J.J. Redick, with Allen shooting just 2-for-12 with 9 points. Rondo also was 2-for-12 from the field and had eight turnovers. He looked nothing like the guy who was dominant for long stretches against the Bulls, against whom he had 11 turnovers total in seven games.
“We’ve got to play with more speed as a team,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “Speed is power. And we didn’t play with a lot of speed until late in the game.
Rivers especially noted Rondo didn’t play fast.
“When he plays at the pace he played at, it allows the other team to load up, especially his guy, on Paul [Pierce] and Ray [Allen] and everyone else,” Rivers said. “He knows that and it’s something he has to get back out of, and I’m sure he will. I’m not worried about it.”
Boston is now 0-3 this season against Orlando when Kevin Garnett didn’t play normal minutes or sat out.
Redick will start again at shooting guard for Orlando, as rookie Courtney Lee won’t be back for Game 2. But reports are that Lee should be able to return from his fractured since for Game 3 on Friday.
Backup shooting Mickael Pietrus scored a career-playoff high 17 points in Game 1, bailing out the Magic with several big shots. But that was out of character for Pietrus, who is more of a defender/energy player.
And other than Pietrus, the Magic got zip from their bench.
WagerWeb.com Key Trends
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
* Magic are 4-12 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Boston.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
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