The Boston Celtics will face the Orlando Magic on Friday at the Kia Center with several key players unavailable. Jayson Tatum is still recovering from right Achilles surgery, and Xavier Tillman is out due to personal reasons. Additionally, two-way players Max Shulga and Amari Williams will not participate.
Boston holds a 4-5 overall record and leads East Group B with a 1-0 record in the group. The team has heavily relied on Jaylen Brown this season, who averages 27.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over nine games.
The Magic have fewer injury concerns, with Moritz Wagner still recovering from a left knee injury. Orlando enters the game with a 3-5 record and will play their first game in East Group B. Paolo Banchero leads the team in scoring, averaging 23.1 points and 9.5 rebounds, while Franz Wagner contributes consistently with 22 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Boston has lost two of its last three games, including a narrow 103-105 defeat against Utah. Orlando is coming off a 112-127 loss to Atlanta. Both teams have displayed inconsistent performances recently, which makes the upcoming match unpredictable despite Boston’s superior group standing.
"Boston Celtics will play Friday against Orlando Magic without Jayson Tatum and key contributors."
"The Celtics have been relying heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 27.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over nine games this season."
"Orlando holds a 3-5 record and is set to play its first game in East Group B."
Summary: Both teams face challenges with injuries and inconsistent play, leaving Friday’s NBA Cup game between the Celtics and Magic highly uncertain despite Boston’s current group lead.