Gameday Preview: Celtics Return to Action Against Orlando
Kim Klement | Pool Photo via AP
The Celtics will return to action Friday night against the Orlando Magic after being off for an entire week. According to Celtics General Manager, Danny Ainge, Tristan Thompson and Grant Williams will return to the lineup to give Boston enough players to play.
The Magic had a hot start to the new season, winning six of their first eight games. Then starting point guard, Markelle Fultz, suffered a torn ACL in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and things went downhill. Orlando has now dropped their last three games with losses to the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Milwaukee Bucks. In Fultz’s absence, Cole Anthony has had to take on the starting role just eight games into his NBA career. He hasn’t be great. Anthony is averaging 11 points per game as a starter and is shooting at just 34/16 splits. The key part of the Magic’s offense is for sure Nikola Vucevic. The Orlando big man is averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game this season. He’s been efficient as well, shooting 51% from the field and 41% from deep. Daniel Theis will likely have his hands full on Friday night.
Of course, the Celtics haven’t had a game since last Friday against the Washington Wizards. Overall it was a solid showing for the C’s as they claimed their fourth straight win. They’ll be looking to stretch the streak to five when Orlando is in town, but they’ll be shorthanded. Both Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be out Friday night. There is a chance that at least one of Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, and Javonte Green is cleared to play. All three have been sidelined all week due to the NBA’s contact tracing protocols.
It’s likely that Boston’s depth will be tested Friday night. They’ll have to rely on someone other than Tatum (and likely Brown) to do the scoring. Marcus Smart is the only Celtic not named Tatum or Brown that is averaging more than ten points per game this season. Maybe it’ll be an opportunity for Payton Pritchard to showcase his full ability. He’s been excellent so far this season but has had a limited role off of the bench. He may end up being the firepower Boston needs to get the win. Another player that will be getting an opportunity is Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time and has struggled when he has. Maybe more room for error is what he needs to find his footing in the NBA.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, on the @GuyBostonSports Twitter account at 7:00 PM EST. We’re live there 30 minutes before every Celtics game, so come hang out!
You can watch Friday’s game at 7:30 on NBC Sports Boston.
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