Celtics vs Magic Injury Updates Ahead of NBA Cup Game
The Boston Celtics will face the Orlando Magic on Friday at the Kia Center without several key players, including Jayson Tatum, who continues to recover from surgery on his right Achilles. Xavier Tillman is also unavailable due to personal reasons, and two-way players Max Shulga and Amari Williams will not participate.
Boston enters the matchup with a 4-5 overall record and a 1-0 standing in East Group B. The Celtics have leaned heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 27.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists through nine games this season.
The Orlando Magic report fewer injury concerns. Moritz Wagner remains sidelined with a left knee injury, while Paolo Banchero continues to lead the team in scoring with averages of 23.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Franz Wagner has also been consistent, contributing 22 points and 5.5 rebounds on average.
Both teams have shown mixed form recently. Boston has dropped two of its last three contests, including a narrow 103-105 loss to Utah. The Magic are coming off a 112-127 defeat in Atlanta. Despite the Celtics’ better position in East Group B, the game shapes up as an unpredictable matchup.
- Boston Celtics record: 4-5 overall, 1-0 in East Group B
- Orlando Magic record: 3-5, playing first group game
- Jaylen Brown stats: 27.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.3 APG
- Paolo Banchero stats: 23.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG
- Franz Wagner stats: 22 PPG, 5.5 RPG
- Friday’s tip-off: 7:00 PM ET at Kia Center, Orlando
"Boston will compete without several players, while Orlando looks to capitalize on a lighter injury list."
Author’s Summary
Injury-depleted Boston faces an unpredictable NBA Cup game against Orlando, with Jaylen Brown and Paolo Banchero leading their respective teams’ hopes for redemption.