Orlando Magic Face Boston Celtics in Round 1 Playoffs

The Orlando Magic secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference after a dominant 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, highlighted by strong performances from Cole Anthony, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, and Anthony Black. This win sets up a first-round playoff matchup against the defending champion Boston Celtics, who present a significant challenge due to their offensive strength, particularly from beyond the arc. Orlando demonstrated their depth and defensive prowess, overcoming the absence of key starters and withstanding Atlanta's attempted comeback. The Celtics are noted for their superior three-point shooting, averaging significantly more makes per game than the Magic, which will be a focal point in the series. Players from both sides recognize the high stakes, with Orlando relishing the opportunity to compete against the league's best. The winner of this series will advance to face either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons in the Conference semifinals.