


Orlando Magic Advance to Face Boston Celtics in Playoffs After Strong Play-In Win
The Orlando Magic secured a playoff berth by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 120-95, setting up a first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
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Overview
The Orlando Magic triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 in the play-in tournament, clinching the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Cole Anthony led the Magic with 26 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The victory sets up a first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics, the reigning champions. Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points but was ejected late in the game. Orlando will need strong contributions from Banchero and Wagner against the Celtics, noted for their offensive prowess. Game 1 is on Sunday.
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Analysis
- The Orlando Magic, seeded seventh in the Eastern Conference, face a challenging first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics, the reigning champions.
- Orlando's strength lies in its elite defense, rated second in the NBA, which could counter Boston's high-powered offense.
- The performance of Magic's bench could be crucial as they seek to upset the Celtics, especially with key starters needing to elevate their games.
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FAQ
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 26 points during the play-in tournament win against the Hawks.
This series marks the fourth time the Magic and Celtics have met in the playoffs. It's also their first postseason matchup since the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics are heavy favorites, with a straight-up odds of -8000 against the Magic.
The Magic's defense could pose challenges, but their poor offense could be their downfall. Conversely, the Celtics' strong offense and three-point shooting could be crucial in determining the series outcome.
History
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