- Celtics pursue first back-to-back titles in 7 NBA seasons
- Jaylen Brown plays through knee treatment ahead of Game 1
- Magic held Celtics to season-low 3-point efficiency in matchups
- Orlando won 2 of 3 regular season games vs Boston
- Both teams enter playoffs with top-5 defensive ratings
The Boston Celtics begin their quest for basketball immortality Sunday, attempting to become the first franchise since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to claim consecutive NBA championships. Standing in their path: a resilient Orlando Magic squad that defied expectations by reaching the playoffs despite losing two starters to season-ending injuries.
Historical context looms large over this first-round series. Only three teams in the last quarter-century have repeated as champions, with modern salary cap rules and increased player mobility creating unprecedented parity. Boston's 64-18 regular season record – including a franchise-best 33 road wins – positions them as favorites, but players emphasize focused preparation over legacy considerations.
We're not here to talk about last year,said Jayson Tatum during Saturday's media availability. Orlando took two from us in the regular season and plays a physical style that translates to playoff basketball. Our film sessions have been all about countering their defensive switches and managing their transition game.
The series features intriguing tactical matchups. During three regular season meetings, Orlando limited Boston to 11.3 three-pointers per 100 possessions – the Celtics' lowest output against any opponent. This defensive prowess clashes with Boston's record-setting perimeter offense that averaged 16.5 made threes per game. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized maintaining defensive identity: We won't chase their three-point volume. Our focus remains paint protection and forcing contested jumpers.
Boston's championship hopes face immediate uncertainty with Jaylen Brown's knee condition. The All-Star wing missed final regular season games after receiving a therapeutic injection but participated fully in recent practices. Sports medicine experts note that 72% of NBA players returning from similar treatments maintain playoff performance levels, though lateral mobility often decreases by 12-15%.
Orlando's playoff berth defies preseason projections after losing Jalen Suggs (knee surgery) and Moritz Wagner (ACL tear). Their late-season surge – winning 11 of 15 games before dominating Atlanta in the play-in tournament – showcases developing depth. Rookie Anthony Black has averaged 14.2 points and 5.8 assists as starting point guard since Suggs' injury, providing unexpected offensive punch.
The Celtics' path to repeat glory hinges on TD Garden dominance. Boston boasts the league's third-best home record (31-10), while Orlando went 19-22 on the road. Historical trends favor the hosts – 83% of Game 1 winners in Celtics playoff history ultimately advance – but Boston dropped home games to Miami and Philadelphia during last year's title run.
Regional analysts highlight Boston's improved bench scoring as a series x-factor. The Celtics' reserves averaged 39.8 points against Orlando this season compared to 28.1 in other matchups. This production becomes critical if Brown experiences minutes restrictions, with Payton Pritchard shooting 48% from deep in April.
As tipoff approaches, both teams embrace contrasting narratives. Boston seeks to validate its dynasty potential through disciplined execution, while Orlando aims to prove its rebuild ahead of schedule. The outcome may hinge on which squad better imposes its tempo – Boston's pace-and-space artistry versus Orlando's methodical half-court grinding.