Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic welcome the Boston Celtics to the Kia Center on Wednesday in an exciting NBA matchup. The Magic currently hold the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Celtics sit comfortably in second place.

Magic Riding a Winning Streak

Orlando strengthened their playoff position with a gritty 119-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, moving two games ahead of the Hawks for the No. 7 seed. Paolo Banchero dominated with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Franz Wagner contributed 22 points. Wendell Carter Jr. (17) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (15) also made key contributions, combining for 32 points.

The Magic have been in strong form, winning three straight games and going 7-2 in their last nine. After a rough stretch at home where they lost six consecutive games, they’ve bounced back with three wins in their last five at the Kia Center.

Celtics Continue Dominance

The Celtics needed overtime to edge past the New York Knicks 119-117 in a thrilling contest at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the charge with 34 points, while Jayson Tatum added 32 points and seven rebounds.

Boston remains firmly entrenched as the East’s No. 2 seed with just three games left in the regular season. They’ve won three straight and boast an impressive 12-1 record in their last 13 games.

Wednesday’s matchup promises to be a compelling battle as the surging Magic look to challenge the high-flying Celtics.

The Orlando Magic have endured a peculiar season, one that began with higher expectations than their current reality. Early on, they showed promise, but a lackluster second half has left them scrapping for the seventh seed and the chance to host a play-in game. They’re most likely to face either the Atlanta Hawks or the Chicago Bulls in that matchup, but the Magic won’t enter as clear favorites against either. Even if they advance, taking down the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series feels like a pipe dream, though they might have a slight shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A bright spot for Orlando is their recent victory over the Atlanta Hawks, a key rival in the race for seventh. That win has nearly locked in the seventh spot, giving the Magic two cracks at securing a playoff berth. Paolo Banchero led the way, as usual, with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Franz Wagner chipped in 22 points. But the team’s issues go beyond their star duo. The Magic’s biggest Achilles’ heel—both this season and last—is their lack of a dependable shooter who can reliably knock down open looks.

On the other side, the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, have shaken off a rocky stretch. Since early March, they’ve been firing on all cylinders, going 17-2 over 19 games. This surge has cemented their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference, signaling to the league that they’re peaking at the right time and remain the team to beat in the title race, even if the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder boast better records.

Much like last year, when they steamrolled through the postseason, the Celtics lean heavily on their high-powered offense. Post-All-Star break, they’ve boasted the league’s top offense, with nearly every player posing a threat from beyond the arc. This forces opponents to spread their defense thin, opening up lanes for drives. Yet, it’s not just their scoring that stands out—Boston’s defense is equally formidable, leaving opponents with no weak link to exploit.