October 31, 2026 at 4:48 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Celtics' Hot Start and Bench Shooting Give Them the Edge in Orlando

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Boston's early form and deep shooting should be enough to handle a Magic team still finding its footing.

Boston arrives in Orlando at 4-1, while the Magic sit at 2-3. Five sources lead with the same idea: the Celtics have started the season well, and that sets the baseline for this game.

The clearest reference point is Boston's 134-99 win over Chicago earlier in the week. A margin like that is hard to repeat, and one preview cautioned that Boston can't expect another blowout. Still, it shows how much room the Celtics have when the offense is working. Payton Pritchard drove it with 28 points off the bench, hitting 7 of 10 from three. If Orlando's defense is stretched chasing Boston's starters, that second-unit shooting becomes a real problem. Jordan Walsh's place in the starting lineup adds a spacing question of its own. If the Magic leave him open, Boston's drives and kick-outs get cleaner.

The Celtics are not without soft spots. Devin Carter is out with mononucleosis, the only notable Boston absence in the injury reports, which trims depth slightly. Mitchell Robinson's slow start in Boston has also drawn attention, and his conditioning and timing have been tied to turnovers and late-game decisions. In a close fourth quarter, Orlando can try to exploit that.

I still trust Boston's form and perimeter shooting over a Magic team off to a shakier start. Expect Orlando to stay closer than Chicago did, but Boston should pull away late with its bench and spacing. Celtics 117, Magic 108.

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