The Boston Celtics are looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead as they head to Orlando for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Magic on Friday night.
Boston enters as 4.5-point road favorites despite dealing with key injuries to their star players.
The Celtics have been dominant so far, winning the first two games at TD Garden by scores of 103-86 and 109-100.
What’s made Boston’s performance even more impressive? They’ve done it without their full arsenal. Jaylen Brown played through a sore right knee in Game 2, while Jayson Tatum sat out completely with a bruised right wrist.
Boston’s supporting cast has stepped up big time. Derrick White exploded for 30 points in Game 1, and Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in Game 2.
The injury situation remains concerning for the Celtics heading into Friday’s matchup. Tatum is still listed as doubtful after pain in his wrist kept him from even warming up on Wednesday. To make matters worse, Jrue Holiday has now popped up on the injury report with a right hamstring strain.
"You’ve just got to keep fighting, man," Magic star Paolo Banchero said after falling behind 0-2. "They did what they’re supposed to do: beat us twice on their home floor. Now we’ve got to go protect our home floor. Simple as that."
Orlando does have reason for optimism. They beat the Celtics twice at Kia Center during the regular season.
The Magic have also been in this position before. Just last year, they fell behind 0-2 against Cleveland before bouncing back with two blowout wins at home.
Boston has been road warriors lately, going 9-1 in their last 10 away games. The Magic have been solid too, posting a 10-5 record in their last 15 games overall.
How To Watch Celtics vs. Magic Game 3
- 2024-25 NBA Playoffs First Round Matchup: Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic
- Game 3 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Kia Center | Orlando, Florida
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Free Live Stream: Jazz Sports
- Game 3 Odds: Celtics -4.5 (-115) | Magic +4.5 (+105)
Injury Report
Boston Celtics
PG Jrue Holiday (hamstring; questionable) | SF Jayson Taytum (wrist; doubtful)
Orlando Magic
SG Jalen Suggs (knee; out for the season) | C Moritz Wagner (ACL; out for the season)
According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Celtics have a 66.5% chance of winning Game 3 and pushing Orlando to the brink of elimination.
Can the Magic turn things around on their home court, or will Boston’s depth prove too much to handle? We’ll find out Friday night.
