Celtics vs. Magic: A Major Playoff Implications On The Line
With the NBA regular season quickly winding down, the incoming game between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic is of more than a mere routine importance. The second-seeded Celtics have already secured their spot in the coveted East playoffs, while the Magic, standing at the threshold of the seventh position, have more to play for.
A victory for the Magic in this game will make them move a step closer to securing the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. Although the sixth position is beyond their reach, being seventh has its advantages. It could let the Magic play on their home ground throughout the NBA’s play-in tournament, and even if they suffer a loss as the No. 7 or No. 8 team in the play-in, Orlando could still extend its season by beating the winner of the tournament’s No. 9/No. 10 matchup.
As for the Boston Celtics, they have only three games left in their regular season. While the stakes might be low for them in this game, they would still be aiming to finish the season on a high note. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. at the Kia Center in Orlando.
Given the recent form of both teams, this match promises to be an exciting encounter. The Celtics have an impressive 9-1 record in their last 10 games, while the Magic have also shown good form, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. In terms of the teams’ performance against the spread, the Celtics and the Magic have a similar record with the Celtics slightly edging out the Magic. The Over/Under record for the Celtics is slightly superior to the Magic’s, indicating that the Celtics have a tendency to outscore their estimated points total more often than the Magic do.
Looking at the team statistics, the Celtics are averaging more points per game than the Magic and also have a better field goal, 3-point, and opponent 3-point percentage. However, the Magic are slightly ahead in terms of points allowed per game and opponent field goal percentage. The Celtics, with their formidable road record, could match the 2015-16 Warriors for the best road record in NBA history with a win.
The Celtics are coming off an exhilarating 119-117 overtime victory against the New York Knicks where Kristaps Porzingis tied his season-high by scoring 34 points. The victory took Boston’s road record to an impressive 33-7. On the other side, the Magic are also coming off a strong performance where Paolo Banchero collected 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Franz Wagner scored at least 20 points for the 11th consecutive game.
This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season. In their previous encounters, each team has tasted victory once, with the Magic winning a home game on Dec. 23, and the Celtics prevailing at home on Jan. 17. Given the importance of the game for the Magic, the stage is set for an enthralling encounter between these two Eastern Conference teams.