National Basketball Association

Magic Wands: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:30 p.m. ET

Fansided, Philip Rossman-Reich/FanSided via Orlando Magic Daily

OrlandoMagic18-29

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m./FSFlorida
Line: Celtics by 8.5
Tickets: $30-$385 on SeatGeek
Season Series: Celtics 117, Magic 87 in Orlando on Dec. 7; Tonight in Boston; March 31 in Boston

	Pace	Off. Rtg.	Def. Rtg.	eFG%	O.Reb.%	TO%	FTR
Orlando	98.3	100.9	106.4	49.2	21.9	13.4	23.3
Boston	98.6	108.8	106.6	52.3	21.9	12.9	24.9

1) Orlando Magic coach Frank Vogel and his team refuse to write themselves off, even as so many seem ready to do so. The Orlando Magic are using this doubt as motivation, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

2) The Orlando Magic are not likely to get any of their injured players back in time for Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

3) The Orlando Magic have had no time to adjust to some odd lineups as they deal with injuries.

4) Elfrid Payton has coach Frank Vogel’s trust and the results speak for itself.

5) Isaiah Thomas earned his second career All-Star bid Thursday, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald writes.

6) Isaiah Thomas has faced a long journey to reach NBA stardom, Mohammed Mohamud of Hardwood Houdini writes.

7) The Orlando Magic could learn some lessons from the Boston Celtics, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

8) The Boston Celtics are seeking a better balance between their offensive juggernaut and a struggling defense, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald writes.

9) Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan is expressing some of the same frustrations as Orlando Magic fans.

10) Aaron Gordon offered no response to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel when asked about Zach LaVine pulling out of this year’s Dunk Contest.

11) Tom Westerholm of MassLive.com hands out his first-half grades for the Boston Celtics.

12) Larry Sanders worked out for the Boston Celtics, Jay King of MassLive.com reports. Michael DePrisco of Hardwood Houdini says the Celtics should sign Sanders.

13) Anfernee Hardaway is looking back to look forward, David Ramil of FanRag Sports writes. Hardaway finally came home to Orlando for last week’s Orlando Magic Hall of Fame ceremony.

14) Liam O’Brien looks at what it will take for Kelly Olynyk to become a consistent performer.

15) The crew at Reds Army debates whether the Boston Celtics should make a deal at the trade deadline.

16) The Boston Celtics reportedly told the New York Knicks they have no interest in Carmelo Anthony, ESPN.com reports.

17) Jay King of MassLive.com explains how New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount became a regular at Boston Celtics games and a friend to Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.