The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic meet at TD Garden on Wednesday night for Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00PM ET. Boston holds a 1-0 lead after a strong second half helped them pull away for a 103-86 win in Game 1.
Boston finished the regular season with the second-best record in the league at 61-21. Orlando went 41-41 and earned the 7-seed in the East. This is the sixth meeting between the two teams this season. Boston has won four of the five matchups, including both home games in April by double digits.
Celtics Preview – Role Players Stepped Up in Game 1
The Celtics got a big boost from Derrick White in Game 1. He made 7 threes and scored a game-high 30 points. Payton Pritchard added 19 points off the bench, giving Boston the depth it needed with Jayson Tatum not at full strength.
Boston’s defense held the Magic to just 86 points and 36% shooting. They also forced 14 turnovers. The Celtics were third in the NBA in scoring defense this season, giving up just 106.9 points per game. They also ranked second in field goal percentage allowed at 45%.
Jayson Tatum landed awkwardly on his wrist in the fourth quarter and is listed as doubtful for Game 2. If he can’t play, the Celtics will need more from Jaylen Brown, who scored 16 points in the opener. Jrue Holiday and Al Horford will also be key on both ends of the floor.
Magic Preview – Need More Than Banchero and Wagner
Paolo Banchero was the clear bright spot for the Magic in Game 1, scoring 36 points on 13-of-21 shooting. Franz Wagner chipped in 23 points, but the rest of the team struggled. No other player scored more than 7 points, and the Magic starters outside Banchero and Wagner combined for just 10.
Orlando had trouble creating easy shots and converting turnovers into points. They were outscored 30-18 in the third quarter and never recovered. The Magic finished the regular season ranked 28th in points per game and 30th in three-point shooting percentage.
Orlando’s defense held Boston’s top scorers in check early, but the Celtics’ bench proved too much. The Magic will need more from Wendell Carter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony to even the series. The team will also need to improve on their road record, which was just 19-23 during the season.
Betting Prediction
Boston is an 11-point favorite with the total set at 197.5. Despite being without Tatum, the Celtics have the depth and defense to control the game. They have covered the spread in four of the last five meetings with Orlando.
The Magic are relying too much on Banchero and Wagner for scoring. If others don’t step up, it’s hard to see them keeping this game close. Boston should win again and take a 2-0 lead before heading to Orlando for Game 3.
Pick: Boston Celtics -11
The Celtics are just better. With or without Tatum, Boston wins this game, and wins by double digits at home.
