The NBA playoffs are back as the league concludes another enticing regular season. The hunt for the Larry O’Brien trophy begins this Saturday, April 19 as sixteen different teams look to capture the 2024-2025 NBA Title. 

For our hometown Boston Celtics, they will open up their 2025 postseason versus the Orlando Magic. They begin their journey on attempting to win back-to-back titles, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by the franchise since 1968-1969.

A recap of Orlando’s season

The Magic won the season series this year 2-1 versus the Celtics. However, in the first of those wins Jayson Tatum did not play, and the second win came from a game where the Celtics rested their entire starting lineup.

A phrase to describe the Magic this year is tough, but inconsistent. Going into the year the Magic were projected to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference but injuries and offensive inconsistencies led them to a mediocre 41-41 record. Their two star players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both dealt with early season injuries which forced them to each miss an extended period of time, and the team as a whole never quite got into rhythm. It didn’t help that they were a historically poor three point shooting team this year – they ranked dead last in three point percentage (31.8%) and last in three point makes (11.2 makes per game), via Basketball-Reference.

On defense, Orlando held their own this year. They allowed the fewest points per game (105.5) and allowed the second-fewest field goals made (38.1). The Magic‘s three point defense started out strong but highly suffered after Jalen Suggs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Suggs is their best perimeter defender, and without his tenacity on that end of the floor their defense from three showed signs of slippage once he was ruled out for the remainder of the year.

Overall it was a disappointing season for Orlando after coming into the year with lofty expectations. With Banchero leading the charge many saw the former #1 overall pick taking a leap and leading Orlando in the upper echelon of title contenders. Despite not meeting expectations, the pairing of Banchero and Wagner makes the Magic dangerous if they play at their ceiling. They finished their season strong by going 9-3 and dismantled the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference play-in game, and are looking to continue their streak of strong play. 

Series Analysis and Prediction

Despite the Magic’s recent play of late, they do not stand a chance versus the Celtics. 

With the Celtics fully rested and ready to go, a series versus the Magic is a layup for them. The pairing of Banchero and Wagner is certainly enticing, but Orlando’s lack of offensive firepower and poor shooting is not going to spell well for them. The Celtics lead the league in three’s – Orlando was last. Without Suggs the Celtics should have no issue exposing his absence and continue their high volume pace of three’s. 

A test the Celtics may encounter this series is the availability of Jaylen Brown. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Brown received shots in his knee for pain management after the injury appeared worse than what was presumed. Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla recently said in an interview that Brown practiced fully this week, and says the challenge presents itself like any other time – whoever their opponent may be.

Brown’s status is something worth monitoring in the next 48 hours. But even with his status up in the air the Celtics should handle the Magic with ease. The C’s possess a clear advantage over Orlando and will easily hunt down Orlando’s matchups. Orlando will be overmatched all series and will be unable to overpower Boston. 

Prediction: Celtics in 4.