Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic preseason preview, injury report, and info - October 13, 2021
USA Today Sports
The Boston Celtics play their third game of the preseason tonight as they take on the Orlando Magic. This will be the second time these two teams have faced off this preseason.
How to Watch
Location: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
Time: 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Channel(s): NBC Sports Boston, NBA League Pass
Player Breakdown
The Boston Celtics have been playing fairly well so far this preseason. Outside of Jaylen Brown, who only played in the first game, Jayson Tatum is leading the team in points (19.0). However, he hasn’t shot the ball very efficiently thus far. Both Payton Pritchard and Romeo Langford are also contributing to the scoring column in bunches, putting up 10.0 points per game each.
Langford in particular has been very impressive thus far. He has clearly put a ton of work into his three-point shot and it shows. Grant Williams and Aaron Nesmith have also been playing well, as each is shooting over 50% from three-point range so far. Marcus Smart, on the other hand, continues to struggle shooting the ball.
The Orlando Magic have not been getting a ton of production from anybody this season. The player who stands out the most so far is Mo Bamba because of his monster performance vs. the Spurs in their last game. He put up 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in that one. Despite this, no one on the team is averaging more than 12.3 points, but four different players are averaging 12 or more (Wendell Carter Jr., Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, and Terrence Ross).
Injury Report
The Celtics are going to be without a lot of their key players tonight. The biggest news is that big man Al Horford has tested positive for COVID-19. He will now join Brown as the two members of the C’s who will need to quarantine before returning to the team. Outside of those two, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Josh Richardson, and Dennis Schroder will all be out due to rest.
For Orlando, their injury report remains very similar to what it looked like the last time these do Chuma Okeke (hip) and Michael Carter-Williams (ankle). Devin Cannady is also listed as day-to-day, as he just recently signed with the team.
Keys to the Game
Just looking at the injury report, it’s hard to treat this like any other game. This one is going to be all about seeing what the young guys can do. Expect players such as Pritchard, Langford, Nesmith, and both of the Williams’ to step up in this one. Hopefully, they all show Ime Udoka that they are worthy of getting regular minutes this season.
For the second key, it is crucial for the Celtics to establish an interior presence. This goes far beyond simply this game and actually applies to this season in general. For the past two games, Boston has taken a ton of threes, and just can’t seem to find their rhythm in the paint. If they want to have the most effective offense possible, it is very important for them to establish a solid paint presence throughout each and every game.
Lastly, look for a huge game from Robert Williams. He hasn’t done much through the first two games, but he has a real opportunity to play important minutes tonight. He still has solid playmakers such as Pritchard and Langford around him, so the shots should definitely be there. He just needs to find his groove, because when he does, it is extremely hard to stop him in the paint.
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 6:30 p.m. (EST) tonight!
