Seeding Game #6: Magic vs. Celtics GameThread

Who: Boston Celtics (46-23) vs. Orlando Magic (32-38)
When: Sunday, August 9th, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Walt Disney World (Wide World of Sports Complex), Lake Buena Vista, FL
TV: Fox Sports Florida
Line: Boston -9, O/U: 220
Injuries: Boston - None; Orlando - Aminu (OUT, knee), Carter-Williams (OUT, foot), Fournier (OUT, non-COVID illness), Gordon (OUT, hamstring), Isaac (OUT, knee)

Pregame quotes from Coach Clifford

“It’s definitely a concern. Last year (actually) against the top teams in the East, we played well. We had play stoppage, and in our film study, we spent all of our time (focusing) on our team. Some of the factors in that (not playing well against elite teams) also are back-to-backs, injuries, etc. So before I look into all that, I wouldn't say for sure. But for sure, it’s a concern. One of the things (frankly) is the East, the teams at the top are better this year. Boston is better than they were, Indiana is a better team, Miami is a lot better than they were a year ago. So that’s all part of it also.”
-Coach Clifford when asked about his team’s struggles this season against some of the top teams in the NBA

“Absolutely, I think he (like a lot of teams) causes them problems inside. They’ll come and double if he gets going, which could open things up for us. So for sure, we have to establish him (I think) in two ways - both in the post early in the game, and then also (where he’s been so good these last few games) playing out in space: playing on the perimeter, flaring more, and you can see - he drives the ball.”
-Coach Clifford when asked about his team relying heavily today on contributions from Nikola Vucevic.

For an extended preview of this afternoon’s Magic/Celtics game, check out our preview here.

For perspective related to Orlando’s opponent today, check out the work of our friends at Celtics Blog (SB Nation).

Leave your pregame and in-game comments below. Feel free to follow us on Twitter at @OPPMagicBlog. And as always - enjoy!