In a battle of the depleted teams, the Boston Celtics host the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden tonight. They face off at 7:30 pm EST, as the Celtics return to action for the first time after a week.

The Celtics have had three games postponed due to a lack of players. They were supposed to play the Magic twice in three days, but their first game got postponed. They are currently on a four-game winning streak, with their last win against the Wizards on January 8. But with half their team missing, the morale has already been lost.

The Magic also half a lot of players missing, and they are heading into this clash on a three-game losing streak. They lost to the Rockets, Mavericks, and the Bucks, with all of them being blowout losses. So this is their chance to break this streak, as they face a team whose roster is worse affected.

Boston Celtics expected lineup

Carsen Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Robert Williams (health and safety protocols), Romeo Langford (wrist), and Kemba Walker (knee) have all been declared out. Jaylen Brown, Javonte Green, Semi Ojeleye, and Daniel Theis (health and safety protocols) have all been listed as questionable.

So their likely lineup will be Payton Pritchard and Jeff Teague as the guards, Marcus Smart and Grant Williams as the forwards, and Tristan Thompson as their center.

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT

7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson

April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Orlando Magic expected lineup

The Magic already had four players missing. They now have Mo Bamba (health and safety protocols), Michael Carter-Williams (foot), and Evan Fournier (back) also listed as out for the game.

So their lineup will feature Cole Anthony and Dwayne Bacon as their guards, James Ennis and Aaron Gordon as their forwards, and Nikola Vucevic as their center.

Prediction

While both teams are missing half their roster, the Magic have the edge. They have two of their best players still available. On the other hand, the Celtics are missing all three of their best players. So the Magic will come in as the favorites and will be expected to come away with a win. They have more players available on the bench too, so it could be a comfortable win.