Celtics vs Magic injury updates ahead of Friday’s NBA Cup game
The Boston Celtics will face the Orlando Magic on Friday at the Kia Center without several key players. Jayson Tatum remains sidelined following surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon, and Xavier Tillman will miss the game due to personal reasons.
Two-way players Max Shulga and Amari Williams are also unavailable for Boston. Despite these absences, the Celtics lead East Group B with a 1-0 group record and hold an overall 4-5 season mark. Jaylen Brown has been anchoring the team’s offense, averaging 27.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists through nine games.
The Orlando Magic report fewer injuries. Moritz Wagner is recovering from a left knee issue but could return soon. The Magic hold a 3-5 record and will debut in East Group B during this matchup.
Paolo Banchero continues to lead Orlando’s scoring efforts with 23.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, while Franz Wagner adds steady production at 22 points and 5.5 rebounds per night.
Recent Team Performance
- Boston has dropped two of its last three games, including a narrow 103-105 defeat to Utah.
- Orlando recently fell 112-127 to the Atlanta Hawks.
Both teams have displayed inconsistency so far this season, leaving Friday’s outcome unpredictable despite the Celtics’ stronger group position. Boston has gone 2-2 on the road, while Orlando has logged a 2-3 away record. The matchup tips off at 7:00 PM ET at the Kia Center.
“Both teams have shown uneven performances early in the season, setting the stage for a tightly contested NBA Cup game.”
Author’s Summary
The Celtics will face the Magic short-handed, with Jayson Tatum still out, as both teams seek consistency in a closely matched NBA Cup contest.