The Boston Celtics faced a challenging game as they fell to the Orlando Magic by a score of 96-76 on Wednesday night. The game was significant for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA playoffs.
The Celtics entered the game as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 59-21. However, they were missing several key players including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, alongside Al Horford. This absence proved detrimental as they struggled offensively, shooting just 39% from the field and failing to hit shots from beyond the arc at a rate of 17.5%.
Payton Pritchard and rookie Baylor Scheierman each led the Celtics with 15 points, showcasing some depth in the roster, but it was not enough to overcome the Magic’s performance. The team trailed significantly at times, falling behind by as much as 19 points during the second quarter.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
The Celtics will finish their regular season with two home games against the Charlotte Hornets, aiming to boost their morale heading into the playoffs. Their recent loss means they fell just short of tying the Golden State Warriors for the best road record in NBA history, which stood at 33-8.
Magic Clinch Play-In Spot
This victory was crucial for the Orlando Magic, who officially clinched the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and their spot in the Play-In Tournament. They will host the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference on April 15. Orlando’s performance was led by Franz Wagner, who scored 23 points, further solidifying their chance at a playoff run.
Conclusion
As the NBA playoffs approach, both teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting postseason. The Celtics will look to regroup and find their rhythm as they head into the playoffs, while the Magic aim to build on their success and make a deeper playoff push than last year.
