Boston, MA — Na Sunday, April 20, 2025, Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic go face each other for Game 1 of the East 1st Round at TD Garden. Dis match fit set stage for a big playoff battle as both teams dey fight to get their rhythm in the series.
The Celtics, with a record of 61-21, dey enter the playoffs as favorites while the Magic carry 41-41 record. As dem prepare for this high-stakes game, Celtics sabi say dem fit rely on their strong 3-point shooting to secure victory. Dem led the league with an average of 48.2 three-point attempts per game and hit an impressive 17.8 per game this season.
For the Magic side, dem finish the season 41-41, but de stats no dey show say dem fit match Boston’s shooting. Dem dey last for league for three-point makes, averaging just 11.2 per game and only shooting 31.8 percent from deep. Despite this, Magic don show small improvement toward the end of the season with 13.1 makes per game and 36.6 percent shooting in di last 15 games.
However, Orlando get one edge. Dem allow di fewest three-point attempts, averaging 31.4 per game. Dis means if dem fit chase Boston players off di 3-point line, dey fit stand a chance to keep di game close.
“We know say to beat Celtics, we must limit dem 3-pointers,” Magic coach say. “Our defense must be on point.”
Boston’s ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc remains a critical factor for the series. Even when both teams play at a slow pace and maintain solid defense, di magic need to find smart ways to score. None of the two teams no dey quick for fast breaks, with Magic averaging 13.8 and Celtics just 11.9 fast-break points per game.
As the game dey near, all eyes dey on Orlando’s star players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Dem don show sey dem fit step up in big moments. Banchero, who na big-game performer, don carry di team plenty times. Wagner too, don deliver critical performances last year against Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Franz must find his rhythm against Boston,” di Magic coach emphasize. “He fit change di game.”
But Wagner dey struggle against the Celtics, averaging just 14.5 points per game which na di least against any opponent for him career. Na dis kind performance wey go determine who go control di game.
The Celtics don prove demself as formidable opponents and dey know how to break through even strong defenses. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scoring from all angles, dem fit pose serious threat to Magic.
Magic players know sey any offensive lapse fit cost dem di game. “We must stay alert and focus on di attack,” Banchero comment. “If we allow any lapse, Boston go take advantage.”
As Game 1 approaches, di pressure goes dey high. Both teams go need find a way to execute their strategies while preparing to face each other’s strengths. For Magic, to succeed, dem need offensive consistency and strong defensive presence to make dis series competitive.
Game Day don reach, and fans dey eager to see who go take di first step toward victory. Di tension dey high, as di Celtics use home advantage to maintain control, while Magic dey ready to prove sey dem fit pull upset.
