Celtics to Be Shorthanded in Frontcourt Against Magic
The Boston Celtics enter their second NBA Cup game with a mostly clean injury list, missing only one pivotal frontcourt player. Xavier Tillman will be unavailable due to personal reasons when the Celtics face the Orlando Magic on Friday at 7 p.m. EST in the first of two games at the Kia Center.
Rookies Amari Williams and Max Shulga remain assigned to the Maine Celtics. On the Magic’s side, Moritz Wagner continues his recovery from a torn ACL and will not play.
This matchup marks Boston’s second NBA Cup appearance after their opening win against the 76ers, while Orlando has yet to play its first Cup game. Without Tillman, the Celtics will have an additional challenge containing Paolo Banchero in the paint.
Banchero averaged 29.4 points per game against Boston in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, a series the Celtics won 4–1.
Boston struggled to keep Banchero off the boards, as he grabbed seven or more rebounds in four of those five games. The Magic, seeking redemption after being eliminated by the Celtics, aim to assert themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics look to sustain their momentum after snapping a short slump with a decisive win over the Wizards. Fans can catch live coverage of Friday’s game on 98.5 The Sports Hub, beginning with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.
Author’s Summary
The Celtics will miss Xavier Tillman in their NBA Cup clash with Orlando, while the Magic seek revenge led by Paolo Banchero’s strong inside presence.