Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic preseason preview, info, and injuries - October 3, 2021
Florida National News (Facebook)
Boston Celtics basketball is finally back! They open up their preseason with a matchup vs. the Orlando Magic. The C’s made a ton of changes this offseason and it’s finally time to see the team in action.
How to Watch
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Channel(s): NBC Sports Boston
Player Breakdown
While this may not have the same atmosphere as a regular-season game, the starters are sure to get a little bit of run. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in scoring last season (26.4), followed closely by Jaylen Brown (24.7). Marcus Smart also contributed a healthy number to the scoring column (13.) and will have an ever-larger role this season as the team’s starting point guard. However, this game is all about the young players showing what they are capable of. Keep an eye out for guys like Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser in this one.
As for the Orlando Magic, they are comprised of nothing but young players. After trading away most of their players at the trade deadline last year, the Magic committed to a full rebuild. They added two lottery picks (Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner) and will focus on developing their young core. The main player to watch out for will be Cole Anthony who is coming off of a stellar rookie season where he averaged 12.9 points.
Injuries
The Boston Celtics have three players listed on their injury report going into tonight’s game. Juancho Hernangomez (shoulder) is questionable, while Grant Williams (right foot sprain) was recently upgraded from questionable to available. Meanwhile, Juwan Morgan, who the team signed to a training camp deal, will not play as he has not spent enough time with the team just yet.
As for the Orlando Magic, they are dealing with a few injuries of their own. Both Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, who were out for the majority of last season, remain sidelined. In addition, Chuma Okeke (hip) and Michael Carter-Williams (right ankle surgery) are out as well.
Keys to the Game
Since this is only a preseason game, there aren’t many real “keys,” as the outcome of the game doesn’t really matter. Sure it’s nice to win, but at the end of the day what’s important is that the C’s get warmed up. That’s the first key of tonight’s game - get warm.
Key number two is to get a good look at some of the training camp players. Boston signed a few players to camp deals this summer including Ryan Arcidiacano, Garrison Matthews, and Theo Pinson. The Celtics have one two-way contract left, and could still theoretically change up the roster a bit. If any of these players impress early on, they could end up making the final roster. Watch out for all three of these guys tonight
Finally, key number three is less about winning and more of a general concept - let Ime Udoka get comfortable. The Boston Celtics have a new head coach for the first time in a long time. Since it’s only a preseason game, this is the perfect opportunity for Udoka to start implementing some of his coaching strategies. Hopefully, he can start to get in a rhythm.
Pregame Show
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, “The Banner Town Build Up.” We are live 30 minutes before every Celtics game at @GuyBostonSports on YouTube and Facebook. See you there at 7:00 p.m. (EST) tonight!
