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Magic Face Celtics in Play-In Showdown
13 Apr
Summary
- Orlando Magic aiming to avoid play-in tournament as seventh seed.
- Magic can secure sixth seed with win and Raptors loss.
- Celtics recently tied NBA record with 29 three-pointers.
The Orlando Magic are set to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday in their final regular-season game, with crucial implications for playoff seeding. As the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, Orlando is striving to avoid the play-in tournament. They hold the same record as the sixth-seeded Toronto Raptors, who possess the tiebreaker advantage.
The Magic's recent five-game winning streak, including a decisive 127-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday, ensures they will finish no lower than eighth place. A win against Boston, coupled with a loss for Toronto, could elevate Orlando to the sixth seed.
Boston, having already secured the East's second seed, is coming off an offensive explosion, tying an NBA record with 29 three-pointers in a 144-118 win against New Orleans. Sam Hauser led the Celtics with 24 points, making 8 of 12 three-point attempts. The Celtics have achieved 55 wins this season, a milestone they take pride in.
Orlando's improved performance has coincided with the return of Franz Wagner from an ankle injury. Wagner has played in five games since missing a significant portion of the season. The team is also seeking its fourth consecutive road victory, holding a 19-19 record away from home this season. Key scorers for Orlando include Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane.
