On Wednesday night, April 9, 2025, the Orlando Magic are set to host the Boston Celtics at the Kia Center in Orlando, marking the final home game of the regular season for the Magic. The game is particularly special as it coincides with Fan Appreciation Night, celebrating longtime PA announcer Paul Porter, who is retiring after an impressive 36-year career with the franchise.
The Magic, currently holding a record of 39-40, are in a tight race for the postseason, needing just one more win to secure the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They are coming off a 119-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, which has boosted their confidence heading into this crucial matchup. Meanwhile, the Celtics, boasting a formidable 59-20 record and locked into the second seed in the East, are riding high on a three-game winning streak, including a nail-biting overtime win against the New York Knicks, 119-117, on Tuesday night.
As the Celtics prepare for this contest, they will be facing significant challenges due to a lengthy injury report. Star forward Jayson Tatum will not play due to a left ankle sprain. He joins a list of key players sidelined, including Derrick White (left ankle sprain), Jrue Holiday (right shoulder impingement), Kristaps Porzingis (returning from illness reconditioning), and Al Horford (right knee sprain). Additionally, Jaylen Brown has been ruled out with a right knee posterior impingement, leaving the Celtics without their entire starting five.
Despite the injuries, the Celtics have shown their depth and resilience. In their last game against the Knicks, Tatum led the way with a stellar performance, scoring 32 points, while Porzingis added 34 points. However, with both players unavailable for this matchup, the Celtics will rely heavily on their bench to step up against the Magic.
Orlando's injury situation is also concerning, as they will be without Jalen Suggs and Moe Wagner for the remainder of the season. Suggs has been sidelined since January due to a knee injury that required surgery, while Wagner is recovering from a torn ACL. The absence of these key players has forced the Magic to adapt, but they are determined to clinch a playoff spot.
With both teams facing injury challenges, this matchup will be a true test of depth and strategy. The Celtics' bench, featuring players like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, will need to rise to the occasion to maintain their winning momentum. Coach Joe Mazzulla has expressed confidence in his reserves, stating, "We just got what we needed to get out of him as he continues to push himself and test himself. We still got games left so we got what we needed to get, what we needed to see and we’ll just continue to move forward.”
The Celtics are aiming to tie the NBA record for most road wins in a single season, which currently stands at 34, set by the Golden State Warriors in 2016. A victory over the Magic would not only help them achieve that milestone but also serve as a statement of their depth and determination heading into the playoffs.
As the Magic look to secure their postseason berth, they will need to capitalize on the Celtics' depleted roster. Coach Jamahl Mosley has emphasized the importance of teamwork and execution, stating, "Everyone that can be available for Orlando is set to play on the second night of a back-to-back. This is our chance to show what we can do as a unit. We need to take advantage of this opportunity."
The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action on NBA League Pass or local broadcasts on FDSFL and NBCS-BOS. With playoff implications on the line and both teams hungry for a win, this matchup promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment in the NBA season.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, all eyes will be on the court to see if the Magic can pull off a crucial victory against a shorthanded Celtics squad. Will the Celtics' depth be enough to secure yet another win, or will the Magic seize the moment and clinch their playoff spot? Fans are in for a thrilling night of basketball.
