The Orlando Magic had been the primary group to make it to by way of the second probability into the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
In a dominating trend, the Orlando Magic landed themselves again within the postseason image for the second consecutive 12 months, pulverizing the Atlanta Hawks with a 120-90 victory of their Play-In Match duel on April 15.
Orlando got here out arduous from begin to end with 5 gamers tallying double-digit scoring. Cole Anthony led the Magic off the bench, ending with 26 factors with a scorching scorching 10-of-17 taking pictures in 20 minutes.
Paolo Banchero poured the second-best efficiency for the Magic along with his 17-point outing alongside 9 boards and 7 assists.
With their Play-In victory towards the Hawks, the Magic formally marched on their strategy to the playoff area. However what awaits them within the opening spherical is undoubtedly a significant problem.
Because the No. 7 group within the Jap Convention, Orlando is about for a best-of-seven brawl towards the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Touted as the most effective groups within the league, the Celtics are effectively positioned for a possible strong title protection after clinching 61 wins this season, placing them on the top-two spot simply behind the Convention’s finest Cleveland Cavaliers.
However the Magic have taken two of their three common season collection video games this season, no less than giving complete Orlando a shot of optimism.
Acknowledging the hardships that they needed to undergo all season lengthy from tons of devastating accidents throughout their key gamers, Banchero and the Magic don’t thoughts being the clear underdogs in embracing the upcoming daring collection forward.
“I’m simply excited to be within the playoffs, on the whole,” Banchero mentioned. “We had an up and down season, so the truth that we’re in a position to clinch a seven-seed with this sport and provides ourselves an opportunity to enter Boston and make some noise, I’m simply completely happy about that.
“Undoubtedly wanting ahead to the problem.”
The Celtics-Magic collection is now being extremely anticipated out of the looming face-off between Banchero and Jayson Tatum.
As two of the league’s brightest stars, Banchero and Tatum have a fond familiarity. Each of them play the same basketball place and play model, whereas having that shared collegiate connection as former Duke Blue Devils.
The younger Orlando star couldn’t be extra thrilled to go toe-to-toe with Tatum beneath the brilliant lights of the NBA Playoffs.
“I’ve recognized Jayson since I used to be going into faculty. I see him each summer time. A man I’m very aware of. One of many guys I’m going to for recommendation and stuff like that,” Banchero mentioned.
“However you recognize, clearly now we’re competing. And I feel one of the simplest ways for me to point out my respect is to provide him my finest effort and go at him as a lot as I can.
“I’m excited for the matchup.”
The Magic and the Celtics will begin the opening sport of their 2025 Playoff first-round collection on April 19 in Boston.
