The NBA playoffs are heating up as the Boston Celtics are poised to close out their first-round series against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 at TD Garden on April 29, 2025. With a 3-1 series lead following a hard-fought 107-98 victory in Game 4, the Celtics are looking to cement their place in the next round of the playoffs.
In their last game, Jayson Tatum showcased his skills with a stellar performance, scoring 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His teammate, Jaylen Brown, added to the scoring with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 19 points, including a crucial dunk that helped Boston secure the win. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 31 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Celtics' depth and experience.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 5, they face a few challenges. Guard Jrue Holiday is out due to a strained right hamstring, and Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with a knee issue. Despite these setbacks, the Celtics remain confident, with Boston coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizing the importance of closing out the series. "This was a big win on the road in a tough, physical environment against a team that’s been eager to take us out," said Brown. "It’s not over. We’ve got to close it out because we don’t want to come back here."
The Celtics have been impressive throughout the series, but their three-point shooting has been a point of concern. After setting an NBA record for most made threes in a single season with 1,364, Boston has struggled from beyond the arc in recent games, shooting just 31.5% in their last three outings. This decline in shooting efficiency has been a critical factor, especially considering the Magic's strong perimeter defense.
In Game 1, the Celtics made 16 of 37 three-point attempts, but since then, their numbers have dipped significantly, with only 9, 9, and 12 three-pointers made in the subsequent games. However, with the stakes higher in a potential series-clinching game, the Celtics are expected to adjust and improve their shooting performance.
Looking at individual player performances, Tatum's rebounding has been a bright spot, averaging 12.3 rebounds per game this playoff season. Despite struggling with assists, where he averages only 3.7 dimes per game, Tatum's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game remains crucial for Boston’s success. The Celtics will be counting on Tatum to elevate his game further, especially with Holiday sidelined.
Derrick White, who exploded for 30 points in Game 1, has also seen a decline in his shooting percentage, going just 7 for 24 from three-point range since that opening game. However, he remains a pivotal player for Boston, especially with the absence of Holiday. White has shown he can step up when given the opportunity, averaging 15.5 points per game in this series, and he could be a key factor in Game 5.
The Celtics are favored to win Game 5 by 11.5 points, reflecting their strong home court advantage and the urgency of closing out the series. The moneyline for the game stands at -620 for Boston and +460 for Orlando, with the total points set at 200. This total reflects both teams' recent struggles to score, particularly the Magic, who are averaging just 94.8 points per game in the playoffs—the lowest of any team this postseason.
Despite their offensive woes, the Magic have kept the games competitive, with the largest margin of victory being just 11 points in the series. Key players for Orlando, including Banchero and Franz Wagner, have been stepping up. Wagner has scored at least 23 points in every game, while Banchero has hit 31 or more in three of the four games. Their continued scoring will be vital if Orlando hopes to stay in the series.
As the Celtics aim for a decisive victory, the atmosphere in TD Garden is expected to be electric. Fans are eager to see if their team can deliver a performance worthy of closing out the series. Tickets for the game are still available, with prices starting at $98 on StubHub and $101 on SeatGeek.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove themselves, Game 5 promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Celtics are determined to leverage their home court advantage and their playoff experience, while the Magic are looking to pull off an upset and extend the series. As the clock ticks down to game time, all eyes will be on Boston as they seek to advance to the next round of the NBA playoffs.
