Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Orlando Magic visit the Boston Celtics tonight, and the two teams are on opposite ends of the court. Boston is banged up and the Magic are being held hostage by trade rumors, but they are 11-4 and tied in second in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics, meanwhile, are only 6-9 and floundering in the twilight of the Big Three era
Tonight is just another example of how things are changing in the East.
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
When: Monday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. EST
Watch: NBA TV
Betting Line (according to Scores and Odds): Magic (-4)
Key Injuries (according to StatFox)
Hedu Turkoglu, Magic, F: Upgraded to probable
Rajon Rondo, Celtics, PG: Questionable (Wrist)
Ray Allen, Celtics, G: Questionable (Ankle)
What's At Stake?
Despite their 6-9 record, the Celtics are still in the playoffs if the season ended today.
All they need is to make the postseason to have a chance with their veteran-laden squad.
The Magic, who are chasing down the Bulls, can't afford to lose games like this on the road if they want to be taken seriously.
What They're Saying
Trade rumors continue to surround Dwight Howard wherever he goes, and the latest one is quite worthwhile. According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, courtesy of IamaGM.com:
"As I told you a little bit earlier in the hour, I have some news to report about your New York Knicks. The Orlando Magic, I will preface my statement by telling you that they have categorically denied this, but my sources tell me that they have inquired about Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire going to Orlando for Dwight Howard.
"
Howard's mood does happen to affect his play at times. It will be interesting to see what he's like tonight.
Magic Player to Watch: Dwight Howard, C
As previously mentioned, Howard's play can be affected by his moods. He can sulk and the Magic can still win, though.
Ryan Anderson is averaging an impressive 17.5 points per game, with Turkoglu chipping in almost 15 as well.
They are infinitely better when Howard is on his game, though.
Celtics Player to Watch: Paul Pierce, G
It is unlikely that Rondo will play tonight, and that means Pierce will have to carry the load once more.
He nearly recorded a triple-double yesterday against the Wizards, coming up only two rebounds shy, and will need a similar performance if the Celtics are going to take down the Magic.
Key Matchup: Celtics front line vs. Dwight Howard
The Celtics have no way of defending Howard. Jermaine O'Neal will get the start with Greg Stiemsma coming off the bench and Brandon Bass, and possibly even Kevin Garnett will spend some time on Howard too.
How they handle the big man will directly affect the outcome of this game.
Prediction: Magic 97, Celtics 90
