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Boston Celtics (1-0) at Orlando Magic (3-0)
Friday, October 11, 2019
7:00 PM ET
PreSeason Game #2, Road Game #1
TV: NBC Sports Boston,, NBA-LP 753(DTV), 753(xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 96.9 The Game
Amway Center
Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard
vs
Kemba Walker vs DJ Augustin
Shooting Guard 
vs
Jaylen Brown vs Evan Fournier
Small Forward 
vs
Gordon Hayward vs Jonathan Isaac
Power Forward 
vs
Jayson Tatum vs Aaron Gordon
Center 
vs
Daniel Theis vs Nikola Vucevic
ReservesCarsen Edwards
Tacko Fall
Kaiser Gates
Javonte Green
Enes Kanter
Romeo Langford
Yante Maten
Semi Ojeleye
Vincent Poirier
Marcus Smart
Max Strus
Brad Wanamaker
Tremont Waters
Grant Williams
Robert Williams III
Injury ReportGordon Hayward (elbow) probable
Robert Williams III (groin) probable
Daniel Theis (adductor) probable
Romeo Langford (groin) probable
Head CoachBrad Stevens
Reserves Michael Carter Williams
Markelle Fultz
Al-Farouq Aminu
Mo Bamba
Terrence Ross
Melvin Frazier, Jr
Amile Jefferson
DaQuan Jeffries
Josh Magette
Isaac Humphries
Khem Birch
Wes Iwundu
BJ Johnson
Vic Law
Hassani Gravett
Injury Report Aaron Gordon (jaw) game time decision
Wes Iwundu (knee) day to day
Vic Law (general soreness) day to day
Head Coach Steve Clifford
Game Notes The Celtics have been in Orlando since Tuesday afternoon as they wait to play the Magic on Friday night. The Celtics are playing in just their second preseason game after beating the Hornets at home on Sunday. The Magic are playing in their 4th preseason game and have won all 3 of their games so far.
The Magic have started the same 5 players for each of their first 3 games. These are the same players that the Magic started last season so they already have chemistry. That's not to say they won't experiment in this game with different starters just because it is the preseason.
The Celtics on the other hand still have much to still be decided about their starting lineup. It's pretty much a given that Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward will start. Jaylen Brown and Rob Williams filled out the other two spots on Sunday but those spots aren't set in stone, especially the center spot.
Rob Williams suffered a goin pull in Monday's practice but was back on the floor by Thursday so he could possibly start again. Brad Stevens said after practice that Enes Kanter will likely come off the bench and had some very good things to say about both Daniel Theis and Victor Poirier, one of whom will likely win the starting spot. Romeo Langford was back at practice on Thursday and may make his Celtics debut in this game.
Aaron Gordon caught his jaw on Alex Len's shoulder in Orlando's game vs the Hawks on Wednesday. He sat out the second half and is considered a game time decision for this game. Al-Farouq Aminu started the second half for him on Wednesday and will likely start in his place in this game should he not be able to play. Vic Law (soreness) and Wes Iwundu (knee) are both day to day.
Key Matchups vs
Jayson Tatum vs Aaron Gordon
Gordon has played well so far in the preseason. In the 3 games so far, he is averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 17 minutes per game. He is shooting 57% from the field and 36% from 3. His jaw injury isn't serious so he will likely be back for this game but if he doesn't play, then Al-Farouq Aminu, who started the second half for him on Wednesday, will likely get the start in this game.
vs
Gordon Hayward vs Jonathan Isaacs
Isaacs is averaging 11.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. He does a little bit of everything for the Magic and is capable of having a big game if the defense slacks off of him. Hopefully Gordon will be back and will take another step in his return from the injury that stopped him 2 years ago.
Honorable MentionDaniel Theis vs Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is averaging 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists this season so far. The Celtics still have questions at the center spot. Rob Williams started the first game, but any of the 4 centers on the roster could start this game. Williams should be back from the groin pull that kept him out of practice this week. Brad Stevens has said that Kanter may come off the bench but he could give him a start in the preseason just to see how it goes. According to his comments, I would guess that either Daniel Theis or Victor Poirier will get the start in this game, though.
Keys to the Game Defense - Defense is always key to winning. Brad Stevens has said that defense is going to be a point of emphasis this preseason but they showed in the first game that they need a lot of work in that area. The Magic is allowing just 89.3 points while scoring 112 points. Hopefully, the Celtics will show improved defense in this game because they are going to need it.
Rebound - The Celtics were out-rebounded 48-41 vs the Hornets. They need to grab rebounds to keep the Magic from getting second chance points and to give themselves extra possessions. The Magic are averaging 50.1 rebounds per game and so the Celtics will have to work harder to beat the Magic on the boards.
Chemistry - The Magic are beginning this season with the same starters that they played last season. The Celtics have just 8 returning players from last season and they are trying to build chemistry with a new group of players. That should be one of the goals for these preseason games.
No Injuries - The Celtics have had a few little bumps and bruises already in the preseason. The Magic also saw their star exit the last game with a jaw injury. Both teams should hope to exit the preseason as healthy as possible so hopefully there will be no injuries for either team.
Players to Watch Romeo Langford The Celtics' lottery pick Has been a mystery so far. He missed Summer League as he rehabbed from surgery on his thumb. Then, just as training camp was getting started he injured his groin and missed the first game. This may be the first time Celtics fans get to watch the rookie play.
Markelle Fultz Fultz was the consensus #1 pick in the draft 2 years ago. Danny traded the first pick to Philly for the third pick and took Jayson Tatum, while the Sixers used the top pick for Fultz. Fultz has played in just a handful of games over the past two season and has spent most of the time rehabbing a shoulder injury. Orlando traded for him in the off season hoping that he will finally be able to play. So far this preseason, he is 9-28 from the field for 6.7 points per game. He is 0-4 from beyond the arc and has scored only in the paint. He also has 13 assists to 9 turnovers. It goes without saying, they are hoping for more from him.
X-Factor
Preseason The preseason is a time for teams to experiment with lineups and to evaluate new players. Both coaches will use lineups that include players who likely won't be on the team when the season starts. Wins and losses don't count as much in the preseason as developing chemistry and determining which players work together the best.
Topic: Celtics (1-0) at Magic (3-0) Preseason Game #2 10/11/19 (Read 24422 times)