The playoffs are here, and so is the excitement! We’ve already witnessed a few good games, but not so good for the 17-time champions, the Lakers, as the Wolves have pulled out a stunner to lead by 1. But the focus is already shifted in a world where no one waits. And what’s more exciting than the defending champions entering the postseason to defend their title? Nothing. The Boston Celtics will host the Orlando Magic for game 1 of their playoff series tonight. While a lot of reigning champions succumb to the pressure, the C’s have held their ground firmly throughout the regular season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led Boston to another 60-win season as they seek a historic 19th NBA championship this season. Of course, they are still far away from winning back-to-back Larry O’Brien’s. But for now, they need to overcome Orlando.
The Magic are just one of four teams to win their season series against the Celtics. Orlando led Boston 2-1 in the regular season. A rare bunch that managed to take 2 down to the 2nd seed Eastern team. However, the results should be taken with a pinch of salt, as both teams missed several key players in the clashes. Orlando missed their star, Franz Wagner, in the defeat against Boston. Meanwhile, Boston was without Jayson Tatum in both losses. Speaking of injuries, the Celtics have struggled with a few of them throughout the season. Most notably, the absence of Kristaps Porzingis at the start of the season. The C’s big man suffered a foot injury because of which he had to go through as surgery in the summer that kept him out for a significant amount. So, is Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight?
Boston Celtics injury report before their playoff clash with Orlando
The Boston Celtics enter the playoffs with one goal in mind: raising the 19th banner to the rafters of the TD Garden. But to be able to do so, they’ll need their starting center, Kristaps Porzingis. The 28-year-old Boston star played a major role in the team’s championship-winning run last season. However, he had to play through extreme pain and suffering for the most part. He suffered a rare foot injury in game 2 of the finals against Dallas and missed games before returning to ensure his team’s victory. So, is he ready for this season’s playoffs? Yes. Unlike last season, Kristaps Porzingis is much healthier going to the postseason and is expected to suit up in tonight’s Easter Sunday matchup. The towering Latvian has been limited to just 42 games this season, mostly because of his injury and a few due to illness.
But whenever he’s been on the court, Boston looks as threatening as ever. In his limited game time, Porzingis has managed to average a solid 19.5 points per game to go along with his 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. His health is a huge boost for the Celtics’ postseason run. In fact, a healthy Porzingis could be the X factor for Boston’s title defense. Whether he’ll make the difference, we’ll have to wait and watch. Meanwhile, another superstar’s health will play a major role as Boston gears up to face Orlando in the first round.
While Kristaps Porzingis is healthy and focused on the playoffs, there might be a few concerns over Jaylen Brown. The Celtics’ star shooting guard has missed each of the team’s last three games of the regular season. Brown has been struggling with a posterior impingement in his right knee. The injury had been impacting Brown for several weeks, before he decided to take some much-needed rest before the playoffs. So, what’s the update on Jaylen Brown?
Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.
Well, he appears to be back at work and looks in good shape before tonight’s clash. The 28-year-old has received some pain management injections and is gearing up for the playoffs. It’s great news for the Celts, who have no injuries on their roster and head to this game with full strength. Moreover, without Brown, Boston is nowhere near their best. The Celtics’ shooting guard is having another great season, averaging 22.2 points while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
With Boston entering tonight’s game without any injuries, it makes you think, how will head coach Joe Mazzulla field his starting five tonight?
How could Boston’s starting five look?
With the news of Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown being available, Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, should trust his seasoned players. This means we are likely to see the frontcourt duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum lighting the playoffs once again. They will go up against the Magic’s talented duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis will be looking to lock in on defense yet again. Defense will play a major role in this series, as both Boston and Orlando are among the top five defenses in the league.
So, here’s how Boston could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Derrick White
SG
Jrue Holiday
SF
Jaylen Brown
PF
Jayson Tatum
C
Kristaps Porzingis
Overall, this is poised to be a great matchup. Moreover, a fantastic playoff series. By the looks of it, the battle in the frontcourt between the two teams’ superstar duos will be one to watch. However, the game will be decided on how the winning team can contain the other’s offense. Keeping that in mind, the Celtics might have a slight edge over the Magic. Also, because Boston’s players are much more seasoned and know how to get the job done in situations like these. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the game goes down tonight in Boston’s TD Garden.
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