The reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, are aiming to conclude their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series against the Orlando Magic in Game 5. Boston currently holds a commanding 3-1 series lead, secured after a 107-98 victory in Orlando on Sunday.
The Magic (41-41), who have been eliminated in the first round five times since their Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2009-2010, have historically fared relatively well against Boston in the playoffs, having won two out of their three previous series matchups.
The Celtics (61-21), consistent contenders who have reached the NBA Finals twice in the last three seasons, have performed strongly against Orlando this season, winning four of their last six encounters. The upcoming game will be played at TD Garden in Boston.
In the overall playoff history between the two franchises, Boston holds a slight edge with an 11-10 record against Orlando.
Key Players for Boston
Small forward Jayson Tatum has been a dominant force for the Celtics, recording two double-doubles during the series. In Sunday`s win against the Magic, he delivered an outstanding performance with 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Across three playoff games, he is averaging 30 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Shooting guard Jaylen Brown has also been crucial in the series. In Game 4, he contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. His performance in Game 2 was particularly impressive, with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a 109-100 victory. Over four playoff starts, Brown is averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals, shooting efficiently from the field and the free-throw line.
Key Players for Orlando
Orlando relies heavily on the scoring punch provided by power forward Paolo Banchero and small forward Franz Wagner. Banchero has been impressive, averaging 32 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and one block per game. In Sunday`s loss, he scored 31 points along with seven rebounds and three assists. He achieved a double-double in Game 1 with 36 points and 11 rebounds.
Franz Wagner has consistently scored at least 23 points in all four games of the series. In Game 3`s 95-93 win, he led the team with 32 points, adding eight assists and seven rebounds. In Sunday`s game, he finished with 24 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Through four playoff games, Wagner is averaging 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
Jasper Hawthorne