Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions April 23rd 2025

Magic Look for Bench Boost in Game 2 Showdown with Celtics

The Orlando Magic knew stealing one on the road would be a challenge — and after dropping Game 1 to the Boston Celtics 103-86, the message is clear: the stars need help. With Game 2 set for Wednesday in Boston, the Magic will look to their bench and supporting cast to rise to the occasion and avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

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Banchero, Wagner Carry the Load Alone in Game 1

Paolo Banchero (36 points) and Franz Wagner (23 points) did everything they could to keep Orlando afloat in the series opener. The problem? They got very little help. The rest of the Magic combined for just 27 points, and no bench player scored more than five.

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“You do a good job on the main guys, but some of the role guys on the wings, they kill you,” Banchero said, pointing to Boston’s depth.

While Banchero delivered in his playoff debut, the trio of Cory Joseph, Wendell Carter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope totaled just 10 points. The Magic’s bench, meanwhile, was outscored 19-17 by Boston’s Payton Pritchard alone.

If the Magic hope to flip the script, the bench must step up — especially in transition. Head coach Jamahl Mosley noted that Orlando failed to convert opportunities off rebounds and turnovers, calling for better pace and urgency on offense.

“We’ve got to push that ball up the floor a lot faster,” Mosley said. “You have to get easy baskets when you play a high-level defense like Boston.”

Boston’s Depth Makes the Difference

Despite modest scoring nights from Jayson Tatum (17) and Jaylen Brown (16), the Celtics flexed their depth. Derrick White caught fire from deep (7-of-12 from 3-point range) en route to 30 points, while Pritchard energized the crowd with 19 off the bench.

“They do have two main guys, but it’s really the other guys that kill you,” Banchero emphasized postgame.

Boston’s 55-point second half, including a 30-18 third quarter, proved too much for Orlando. Brown dropped 10 of his 16 in the third, while Jrue Holiday added nine in the frame after being scoreless in the first half.

Even a scary moment for Tatum in the fourth quarter — when he landed awkwardly on his right wrist after a foul — couldn’t derail Boston’s second-half momentum. He stayed in the game and X-rays were negative.

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“It was throbbing for a second,” Tatum said. “Then it kind of went away.”

Key Game 2 Adjustments for the Magic

• Bench production: Orlando needs more than just Banchero and Wagner. Secondary scoring is a must.
• Transition urgency: The Celtics’ set defense suffocated the Magic in the half-court. Pushing the pace is essential.
• Defensive communication: Miscommunications in the third quarter opened the door for Boston’s role players. Mosley says it must be cleaned up.

“Game 2 we have to come out with a higher level of focus,” Banchero said. “We are not winning this series unless we get one (on the road).”

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Down But Not Out — The Magic’s Fight Isn’t Finished

While Game 1 was a wake-up call, Orlando has an opportunity to reset and respond. If they can even the series before heading back to Florida, the complexion of this matchup changes dramatically.