Preview: Celtics Hope to Break Cold Spell, Take on Orlando Magic
Brian Babineau | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics are hoping to break a two-game skid today in another dreaded matinee game. They’ll take on the struggling Orlando Magic, who have lost nine of their last ten games.
Orlando is led by big man Nikola Vucevic. The two-time All-Star is averaging 24.7 points 11.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on the year. Despite their subpar record, he’s been leading them to a lot of tough wins. He’s accompanied by swingmen Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross. They’re putting up 19.3 and 16.0 points respectively. Aaron Gordon is the next highest scorer, but he’s just recently returned from injury.
The Magic have been a big team of interest surrounding the upcoming trade deadline. While it’s been stated that they’re unlikely to move Vucevic, guys like Fournier, Ross, and Gordon have been rumored to be available. With a 14-27 record, the team could look to enter a full rebuild and trade their assets. However, the team has also been rumored to be interested in Kemba Walker.
The Celtics have struggled ever since the All-Star break, going 1-4 in that stretch. In that same stretch, however, the C’s have five guys scoring in double figures. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are scoring more than 20 points, and Walker, Marcus Smart, and Robert Williams are scoring above 10. The issue, however, is that the Celtics seem to fall apart when it matters most.
The team is struggling to get buckets in the clutch, and to make matters worse, they also struggle to get stops. In the last five games, the C’s are bottom 10 in points allowed per game. They also allow more points in the fourth quarter than any other team (33.6) during that stretch. Something will have to change drastically against the Magic tonight if the Celtics want to get back on track.
Romeo Langford and Tristan Thompson remain the only two Celtics out in this one. The Magic, on the other hand, have a long list of injuries. On top of Jonathan Isaac, who has been out since the bubble, they are missing five additional players. Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, James Ennis, Michael Carter-Williams, and Ross.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube and Twitter @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Magic at 3:30 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
