Celtics Visit Magic as Boston Seeks Fifth Straight Win

The Boston Celtics will attempt to extend their four-game winning streak on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Florida to take on the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST, with the Celtics entering the matchup boasting a 4-1 record to start the 2026-27 campaign following an opening-night loss.

Boston arrives in Orlando facing a heavily shorthanded opponent. The Magic sit at 2-3 on the season and will be missing several key contributors due to injuries. Star forward Paolo Banchero is sidelined with a high ankle sprain, while guard Jalen Suggs is out with a right knee contusion. Additional injuries to Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson further deplete new head coach Sean Sweeney's rotation as the team looks to navigate a competitive Eastern Conference.

The Celtics are also managing their own roster adjustments ahead of the matinee contest. Center Mitchell Robinson was initially listed on the injury report and ultimately ruled out due to rest. The decision comes as Boston prepares for a demanding travel schedule, with the team heading to Texas immediately after Sunday's game to face the Houston Rockets on Monday night in the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Despite missing Robinson, Boston features a high-powered offense ranked sixth in the league in offensive rating, led by standout Jayson Tatum. The Celtics are coming off a dominant victory over the Chicago Bulls in their NBA Cup matchup on Friday night, while Orlando enters the contest after securing an NBA Cup win against the Toronto Raptors on the same evening.

With Banchero and Suggs unavailable, Orlando's offense is expected to rely heavily on guard Anthony Black, alongside Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. Black is slated to make his third consecutive start and has averaged 23.3 points, rebounds, and assists combined this season, offering high potential usage as the Magic attempt to piece together their rotation against Boston's formidable defense.

Bookmakers have installed the Celtics as road favorites, reflecting their strong early-season form and net rating. Meanwhile, computer projection models offer differing expectations for the afternoon showdown, highlighting the competitive nature of this Eastern Conference clash as both teams look to secure a crucial early-season victory.