Tonight the Celtics take on the Orlando Magic. You can find tonight’s game on NBC Sports Boston or 98.5 The Sports Hub Radio, starting at 7:30 PM ET. The original date of this game was set to be Wednesday however, due to COVID-19 problems for both sides it was rescheduled for tonight.
Celtics
Boston will be without star-forward Jayson Tatum (COVID-19) and starting point guard Kemba Walker (Knee). On a positive note the Celtics will get big man Tristan Thompson back for the first time since their first matchup with Miami. Also, Jaylen is questionable to play tonight with contact tracing. If not available Brown would be a big loss for the Celtics as he is averaging 26.3 points per game 6.2 rebounds. Grant Williams has been cleared pending a negative COVID test today. It would also be nice to see a breakout game from Marcus Smart. The Celtics will need him to step up with them not having Tatum or Walker. Thus far Smart is averaging 12.2 points per game and 6.4 assists.
Magic
The Orlando Magic have started off the season relatively well with tonight they will be without SG/SF Evan Fournier. This season Fournier is averaging 14.8 points per game, 1.6 rebounds, and 2 assisists. The Magic will now need a big game from their fkashy foward Aaron Gordon who is also averaging 14.8 points. It will to see how Cole Anthony plays against a veteran defender like Marcus Smart.
Predictions
Both teams will get out to a slow start considering they haven’t played in few days. Celtics have a six-point lead at the half (54-48). Orlando has a good 3rd quarter to give themselves a chance heading into the 4th. Celtics pull away late with a few clutch buckets.
Final Score: 117-112 Celtics
Leading Scorers: Magic – Aaron Gordon 31 points Celtics – Marcus Smart 23 points