Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic (8:30 pm ET, ESPN)
Boston Celtics with a win in Game 1 will try to take the lead to 2-0 in Game 2 (8:30 pm ET, ESPN) against Orlando Magic on Tuesday at Amway Arena, Orlando, FL. Celtics have a 50-32 home, 26-15 away record and Magic have 59-23 away, 34-7 home record.
The Magic‘s playoff invincibility has changed in the Eastern Conference finals after the Boston Celtics took home-court advantage. In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, Orlando has to overcome the loss.
With four different big men, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Glen Davi and, Kendrick Perkins, Celtic swarmed Dwight Howard too, making life difficult for Magic in Game 1. In punishing fashion, Boston bullied its way past the Magic. On 3-for-10 shooting, Howard was held to 13 points and 12 rebounds. When Boston went ahead by 20, Magic’s potent 3-point shooters were under pressure and Celtics did their best to close them out in the game. Boston Celtics never allowed the 3-point shooters to get in rhythm. Orlando shot 22 percent from beyond the arc and 41 percent from the field making things interesting for the betting sites.
The Celtics are looking to regain their knockout punch, while the Magic are trying to prove they can overcome hard times. Celtics have found their lost defensive prowess. The problem Celtics are facing is the lack of consistency in their game ploy. They baffle in one minute and dazzle in the next. They too have had too many injury issues.
Magic coach Van Gundy was unhappy with the way things went for Magic in Game 1.I was surprised to start a series with our energy level being what it was, I do not think we ran in either direction. We did not get back defensively, probably the most disappointing thing. We did not make a big effort to get back, and then we just walked up the court offensively. As good as they were defensively and as good as they are, I think we made it worse because we played right into their hands”, said Van Gundy.
