Final: Magic 113, Celtics 98 - Streak ends as C's fall apart down the stretch

Game 48: Celtics (-8) at Orlando Magic, 7:00 p.m., Amway Center, NBCS Boston

Injuries: 

Boston: OUT- Danilo Gallinari, Marcus Smart (ankle), Malcolm Brogdon (personal reasons).
QUESTIONABLE- Robert Williams (knee injury management)

Orlando: OUT- Chuma Okeke 

Magic probable starters: Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Wendell Carter, Jr., Paulo Banchero, Franz Wagner

Refs: John Goble (#10), Tom Washington (#49), Phenizee Ransom (#70)

Last time they played:  Magic 95, Celtics 92, December 18- The Celtics started out slow while Magic rookie Paolo Banchero came out hot, putting the Celtics behind double digits early on. They missed nearly everything they took, especially in a horrid second quarter when both teams were horrible. Boston woke up in the third, using an 8-0 run to take a lead at the end, but the Magic hung around and were able to pull ahead late and hold on in the final seconds. It was Boston’s second straight loss, both to Orlando, and their fourth out of five.

A little something about this game: Jonathan Isaac makes his return after missing two full seasons. The Magic have lost three of four games heading into this one, and this is their third game in four nights. After the two wins in Boston gave them six straight, they’ve gone 6-9. Boston has won nine straight, tied for their longest winning streak of the season.

How the Celtics win: It feels like a Jayson Tatum game to me. This one is strictly a gut feeling, but I think he comes off the day of rest, after those two losses at home to Orlando, and has it going from the jump. It will take a big performance from the bench to make up for the losses of Smart and Brogdon as well. If they can get that same bench effort for a second straight game, they can win it easily.

Defensively, keep Orlando off the offensive glass. The Magic offense isn’t great, but they will hit the offensive boards and they’ve killed Boston with that in the past. If the Celtics protect the ball and box out, which prevents the easiest types of buckets Orlando is going for, they’ll be fine. 

How the Magic win: Their shots have to fall early to get some quick confidence going. Isaac’s return could be a boost for Orlando, and they can ride the excitement of him being back on the floor to play the kind of fast-paced style that has given Boston problems. A big shooting night from someone like Wagner could make things tough for the Celtics. 

Things I’m looking for:

- Payton Pritchard doing it again: The Celtics are down two point guards, so he’ll get another shot. Can he hang with a bigger team like the Magic, or will he be played off the floor?

- Isaac’s impact: Not playing in an NBA game for two seasons will probably make for a tough reentry for Isaac. He’ll probably come out a little too hyped, so the first chance someone has to throw a fake his way, do it and let him jump through the roof. He’s going to be anxious, so the Celtics should use that against him. 

- Big man rotation: Still waiting for word on Robert Williams’ availability in this game. If he plays, will he be dialed back? Will we see Blake Griffin? Boston’s big man rotation could get interesting. 

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.