BOSTON — The atmosphere at TD Garden is electrifying as the Boston Celtics prepare to face off against the Orlando Magic in the opening game of their first-round playoff series. With coverage starting on NBC Sports Boston at 2:30 p.m. ET, fans are eager to see if the reigning champions can begin their title defense with a strong performance.
Series Overview
The Celtics advanced into the playoffs after a remarkable regular season, finishing with a stellar 61-21 record. This matchup marks the first playoff series between the Celtics and the Magic since 2010, when Boston triumphed in six games before moving on to the NBA Finals. The Magic, entering as the seventh seed, have not advanced beyond the first round in over a decade.
Player Highlights
- Jaylen Brown: After battling a knee issue late in the season, Brown announced that he would be fully available for Game 1 without any minutes restriction.
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum is expected to continue his impressive performance, having led the team throughout the regular season.
- Paolo Banchero: The Orlando rookie has emerged as a key player, averaging 25.9 points per game during the regular season.
Recent Performance
The Celtics showed dominance in the second half of the regular season, finishing 29-6 in their last 35 games, aggressively marching towards another championship. Conversely, the Magic have displayed potential, finishing with a 41-41 record—a somewhat rocky start to their season was followed by a strong finish, winning nine of their last twelve games.
What’s Next?
Fans can track the action of Game 1 through live blogs providing real-time updates, score highlights, news, and in-depth analysis. With both teams motivated for success, this thrilling playoff clash is just getting started.
