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Celtics and Magic Set to Tip Off First-Round NBA Playoff Series

Boston enters Game 1 as defending champions and heavy favorites, while Orlando relies on its top-ranked defense and play-in momentum.

Celtics guard Derrick White shoots from long range over Magic forward Tristan da Silva during Orlando's 108-104 home win on Dec. 23.
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Overview

  • The Boston Celtics (61-21) face the Orlando Magic (41-41) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs today at 3:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
  • Boston, the defending NBA champions, set a league record with 1,457 three-pointers this season, led by Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
  • Orlando, which secured its playoff spot through a dominant play-in win over Atlanta, boasts the league's best defense, allowing just 105.5 points per game.
  • Despite Boston's overall strength, Orlando won the regular-season series 2-1, including a decisive 96-76 victory earlier this month.
  • All-Star Jaylen Brown is dealing with a knee issue, raising questions about his readiness as the Celtics enter the series as heavy betting favorites.