Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (April 23, 2025): 3 Things to Watch, Odds, and Prediction

The Orlando Magic face a crucial Game 2 against the Boston Celtics on April 23, 2025, with Jayson Tatum’s availability in question. After a Game 1 loss, the Magic seek to capitalize on Tatum’s potential absence and even the series before heading back to Orlando. This game presents a significant opportunity for the Magic to regain momentum and confidence.

This article breaks down the key factors that will influence the game’s outcome, including adjustments the Magic need to make on offense and defense, the importance of limiting turnovers, and the potential impact of Kristaps Porzingis. We will also examine the injury report and projected lineups for both teams. Understanding these elements is crucial for predicting the game’s trajectory and identifying potential areas of advantage for either team.

Here are three key areas to monitor during the game: 1) the Magic’s ability to get to the free-throw line, 2) controlling turnovers and limiting easy points for the Celtics, and 3) containing Boston’s three-point shooting. Each of these aspects will play a vital role in determining whether the Magic can secure a win and shift the series’ momentum.

Finding Free Throws

In their Game 1 loss, the Orlando Magic struggled significantly in several areas, most notably failing to generate free-throw opportunities. The Magic’s inability to get to the foul line was a major outlier compared to their regular-season performance.

During the regular season, Orlando ranked second in the league in free-throw rate, utilizing this strength to compensate for inconsistent shooting and offensive struggles. However, in Game 1, their free-throw rate plummeted to a league-worst 13.6 percent, resulting in only 11 attempts. Considering they averaged 23.0 free-throw attempts per game during the regular season, this equates to roughly 10 points left on the table.

The Boston Celtics excel at avoiding fouls, ranking first in the league with a 19.8 percent free-throw rate allowed. Despite Boston’s discipline, the Magic must find ways to draw fouls and capitalize on free-throw opportunities. This becomes even more critical given the heightened aggressiveness expected from both teams, potentially leading to a tighter officiating whistle.

To succeed, Orlando needs to drive to the basket aggressively, draw contact, and convert those opportunities into points. By increasing their free-throw rate, the Magic can alleviate offensive pressure and potentially swing the game’s momentum in their favor.

Turnovers Affect Everything

The Orlando Magic face an uphill battle in this series, needing to make up ground against a formidable Boston Celtics team. Given the Celtics’ offensive firepower, the Magic cannot afford to compound mistakes or give away possessions cheaply.

In Game 1, turnovers proved to be a critical factor. The Magic forced 11 Celtics turnovers but only managed to score eight points off them. Conversely, they committed 15 turnovers, leading to 24 points for the Celtics. This disparity significantly impacted the game’s flow and outcome.

Turnovers disrupt Orlando’s defensive setup, allowing the Celtics to attack in transition before the Magic can establish their defense. A set defense is crucial for slowing down Boston’s offense. Reducing turnovers is paramount for Orlando to maintain defensive integrity and control the game’s tempo.

To minimize turnovers, the Magic must prioritize ball security, make smart passes, and avoid unnecessary risks on offense. By valuing each possession, they can limit easy opportunities for the Celtics and enhance their chances of securing a win.

3-Point Solution?

Coming into this series, three-point shooting was a significant concern for both the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics. The Magic aimed to limit Boston’s three-point opportunities, while the Celtics sought to find ways to generate them against a Magic defense that typically concedes the fewest three-pointers in the league.

In Game 1, Boston largely won the three-point battle. The Celtics shot 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, converting 16 three-pointers. In contrast, Orlando made 37.0 percent of their threes but only managed to hit 10.

Boston also adjusted its shot selection, with 45.1 percent of their field-goal attempts coming from three-point range, surpassing their regular-season average of 41.9 percent. This indicates a clear emphasis on exploiting the three-point line.

Moving forward, Orlando must improve its perimeter defense, contest shots more effectively, and force the Celtics into mid-range opportunities. By disrupting Boston’s three-point rhythm and limiting their attempts, the Magic can enhance their chances of controlling the game and evening the series.

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics: Injury Report & Projected Lineups

Orlando Magic Injury Report

• Jalen Suggs – OUT (Left Knee Trochlea Cartilage Tear)
• Moe Wagner – OUT (Left Knee Torn ACL)

Boston Celtics Injury Report

• Jayson Tatum – DOUBTFUL (Right Distal Radius Bone Bruise)

Projected Lineups

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics: Prediction

The Boston Celtics present a significant challenge, even if Jayson Tatum is sidelined. Their firepower, three-point shooting, and defensive capabilities make them a tough opponent. Despite Tatum’s potential absence, the Celtics are still a formidable team.

Notably, the Celtics performed well without Tatum this season, going 8-2 in the 10 games he missed. However, both of those losses came against the Magic. In December, Orlando secured a win without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, overcoming a 17-point deficit.

Orlando possesses the formula to win. With Jaylen Brown potentially still recovering from a knee injury, the Celtics are not at full strength, even though both Brown and Tatum struggled in Game 1. The Magic must capitalize on this opportunity.

The critical question is whether Orlando can generate enough offense and find consistent support for its star players. The Magic’s offensive struggles are well-documented, making this an area of concern. To take advantage of Tatum’s potential absence, Orlando needs to control the tempo and execute its offensive game plan effectively. Securing a win in this game is crucial for the Magic.