NBA Playoffs Match-up: Jayson Tatum Betting Lines and Injury Updates for Celtics vs Magic Game 2
Jayson Tatum, the star forward for the Boston Celtics, will not play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Orlando Magic. The injury, which is a pain tolerance issue, is a result of a bone bruise sustained on a dunk attempt in Game 1 of the playoffs[1].
Tatum underwent an X-ray after the game, which came back clean. However, the injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future[1]. Despite some initial optimism, it now appears that Tatum will miss the majority, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season due to the typical 10-12 month recovery time from an Achilles tear[1][3].
Tatum's absence has had an impact on the betting odds for the Celtics' games. Initially, the Celtics were favoured by 12 points for Game 2, but the line has since shrunk to 12.5 points following the update on Tatum's injury[2].
For those considering a bet on the Magic, a correlated same-game parlay with the Magic and the under could be worth exploring. The total for the Game 2 matchup between the Celtics and Magic has decreased to a new low of the season at 201.5. If Tatum doesn't play, Orlando's second-ranked defense may have a chance to deliver a close game[2].
In Game 1, the Magic held a one-point halftime lead before Boston dominated the final two frames in a 103-86 win. Tatum tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 8-of-22 from the floor[2].
The Celtics' president, Rich Gotham, has expressed optimism about the team's prospects next season, but there is no indication that Tatum will return for any playoff action this year[4][5].
Sportsbook Promotions
Several sportsbooks are offering promotions for those betting on the NBA playoffs. BetMGM Sportsbook provides up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win. Fanatics Sportsbook offers up to $1,000 in no sweat bets when you place a bet. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook offers an opportunity to bet $1 and double your winnings. FanDuel Sportsbook provides a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins[6]. Caesars Sportsbook offers the ability to stream NFL games for free within the app, and using the promo code PLAYTNDYW could yield additional benefits[6].
References
- ESPN
- CBS Sports
- The Athletic
- Boston Herald
- SI.com
- Action Network
- Due to his injury, some sports-betting enthusiasts might consider wagering on the under for the total points in Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic, given Jayson Tatum's absence.
- The tightly contested basketball matchup between the Celtics and Magic has seen a significant drop in the points line from initial 203 to a new low of 201.5, making it interesting for those betting on the under.
- In this sports-betting landscape, a potential same-game parlay strategy could be pairing the Magic with the under, capitalizing on Orlando's second-ranked defense and Tatum's absence.
- With Tatum likely sidelined for the majority, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season, sports-betting odds on the Celtics' games may continue to shift, favoring underdogs seeking an edge.
- For those new to sports betting, promotions offered by sportsbooks like BetMGM, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, FanDuel, and Caesars could be advantageous, providing bonus bets or opportunities to double winnings.
- In light of Jayson Tatum's extended absence, sports-betting enthusiasts following the NBA playoffs might want to stay updated with the latest odds and investigate different parlay options to maximize their moneyline potential.
