Celtics Face Frontcourt Challenge Against Magic
The Celtics enter their second NBA Cup game with a nearly clean injury report, missing only one important big man. Xavier Tillman will be unavailable due to personal reasons when Boston faces the Magic in Orlando on Friday at 7 p.m. EST, marking the beginning of a two-game series at the Kia Center.
Roster Updates
- Rookies Amari Williams and Max Shulga remain with the Maine Celtics.
- The Magic continue without Moritz Wagner, recovering from a torn ACL.
NBA Cup Standings and Context
This is the Celtics' second NBA Cup game. They hold a 1-0 record in group play following a win over the 76ers last week. The Magic have yet to play a Cup game.
Key Matchup: Celtics vs. Banchero
Without Tillman, Boston will likely struggle to contain Magic big man Paolo Banchero. In the 2025 playoff first round, Banchero averaged 29.4 points per game against the Celtics, who won the series 4-1. Boston also had difficulty limiting Banchero’s rebounding, as he grabbed seven or more rebounds in four of the five games.
Motivations and Upcoming Coverage
The Magic aim to avenge their playoff defeat by Boston and prove themselves as a rising force in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Celtics look to maintain momentum, coming off a dominant win over the Wizards after a two-game winning streak.
Fans can listen to Celtics vs. Magic coverage on 98.5 The Sports Hub, beginning with pregame at 6:30 p.m.
Pablo Banchero averaged 29.4 points per game against the Celtics in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, a series the Celtics ultimately won 4-1.
Author’s summary: The Celtics face a frontcourt challenge without Xavier Tillman, needing to contain high-scoring Paolo Banchero as they aim to continue their NBA Cup success against the Magic.