Two Potential First-Round Playoff Opponents For Celtics — Which One They Should Want

Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza

Two Potential First-Round Playoff Opponents For Celtics  — Which One They Should Want originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Celtics concluded their regular season on Sunday night with a hard-fought 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic. Now that Boston has shifted its focus to the playoffs, its first-round opponent remains uncertain.

With the Celtics firmly in position as the No. 2 seed, they now await the outcome of Tuesday's play-in game between the No. 7 and No. 8 teams. The 76ers will face the Magic, and the winner will secure the No. 7 seed, setting up a first-round matchup against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Boston has faced the Magic four times this season, posting a solid 3-1 record. They also split its games with the 76ers, finishing 2-2. The Magic might pose a tougher challenge for the Celtics, as they feature younger, more physical star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Additionally, there's uncertainty about whether 76ers center Joel Embiid can stay healthy for a playoff series after undergoing appendix surgery on Thursday, which would make it easier for the Celtics to win.

It seemed like the Magic would have had a better season after they traded for star shooting guard Desmond Bane in the offseason, but they never managed to come together fully. Now, Orlando is looking to pull it together for the playoffs, hoping it won't have to face Boston early on, as a quick exit could be looming for the Magic.

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