The Boston Celtics enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the weight of back-to-back championship expectations on their shoulders. Now, a dangerous first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic threatens to derail the title chase before it even begins. It’s a battle between experience and youth, pedigree, and hunger. Sure, Boston boasts one of the deepest, most complete rosters in the league. However, Orlando has evolved into a gritty, defensive-minded squad with nothing to lose. With both teams capable of dictating pace in different ways, this series promises drama, momentum swings, and defining moments. Buckle up—this one’s going seven.
Celtics Enter Playoffs as Battle-Tested Contenders
The Celtics wrapped up the 2024-25 regular season with a commanding 61-21 record. They finished second in the Eastern Conference behind the surging Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston's campaign was marked by consistency on both ends of the floor, elite perimeter defense, and a diversified offense that no longer relied solely on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Kristaps Porzingis provided a reliable interior presence, while Derrick White continued his rise as a two-way force. Of course, Jrue Holiday added toughness and playoff experience.
Despite their dominance throughout the year, Boston dropped two of three regular-season matchups against the Magic. That raises legitimate questions about how they’ll handle Orlando’s length, athleticism, and fearless mentality in a best-of-seven format. Still, this veteran-laden Celtics team has its eyes firmly set on banner No. 19. They should find a way—just barely—to survive the Magic in a grueling seven-game series.
Here we will discuss the four Boston Celtics bold predictions for their 2025 NBA Playoffs series vs. the Orlando Magic.
1. Jayson Tatum Will Record Two 40-Point Games
The Celtics may be the more seasoned team, but they’ll need superstar moments to separate themselves from the upstart Magic. Enter Jayson Tatum, who is built for this stage. The three-time All-NBA forward has evolved into a complete scorer. He is capable of punishing drop coverages, finishing through contact, and creating mismatches off the dribble. Against a switch-heavy Orlando defense, Tatum will rise to the occasion.
Expect Tatum to have not one, but two signature 40-point performances in this series. We will most likely see these in a pivotal Game 3 on the road and a crucial Game 5 or 6. With Orlando’s Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac taking turns at him, Tatum will need to embrace physicality and stay aggressive. He needs to avoid the passive stretches that have occasionally plagued him in the postseason. In a series where margins will be razor-thin, his scoring bursts will be the ultimate pressure relief valve for Boston.
2. Kristaps Porzingis Will Be the X-Factor
Orlando’s frontcourt—anchored by Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr, and a rotating cast of shot-blockers—poses a unique challenge to Boston’s interior game. That’s where Kristaps Porzingis becomes the swing piece. His ability to stretch the floor will be critical in pulling Magic bigs away from the rim. He can open up driving lanes for Tatum, Brown, and White. Beyond spacing, though, Porzingis must hold his own defensively. This is particularly true against Banchero’s physical post-ups and face-up drives.
We expect Porzingis to average over 20 points and two blocks per game in the series. This will include a crucial double-double in the decisive Game 7. His presence will prevent the Celtics from going too small and allow them to punish Orlando’s help defense when they collapse on perimeter drives. If Boston wins this series, it’ll be because their tallest starter stood tallest in the moments that mattered most.
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3. Boston Will Struggle from Three but Win the Turnover Battle
It wouldn’t be a Celtics playoff series without a shooting slump somewhere along the way. Orlando’s ability to contest on the perimeter will disrupt Boston’s offensive rhythm. Recall that the Celtics shot a 36.8 percent from three during the regular season (No. 10 overall). Here, however, they will dip below 34 percen in the series—especially in the tough confines of the Amway Center.
That said, Boston will offset their cold spells with disciplined ball control. Expect the Celtics to win the turnover battle across the seven-game slate. That's thanks to the steadiness of Holiday and White. In a slow, grind-it-out series, every possession will count—and the Celtics’ composure will prove decisive.
4. The Series Will Go Seven Games—and Test Boston’s Mettle
This will neither be a sweep nor be easy. It will be a war of attrition. Orlando has already proven they’re no fluke—they beat Boston twice in the regular season. Banchero is a budding superstar, and the Magic’s belief in themselves is real. Boston will get punched in the mouth early—possibly even dropping Game 1 at home—and will need to regroup quickly.
Still, this is a Celtics team that has been through the fire. They’ve experienced the heartbreak of Finals losses, the sting of blown leads, and the agony of early exits. That accumulated pain will steel them in the crucible of Game 7. Backed by a roaring TD Garden crowd, Boston will close the series with a hard-fought, high-stakes win.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics won’t breeze past Orlando—but they will emerge sharper, hungrier, and more dangerous because of it. This opening-round battle could very well be their toughest test en route to the Finals, and that’s not a slight against Boston. It’s a testament to the parity of the East and the rise of fearless teams like the Magic. If Boston is to fulfill their championship destiny, this series will be remembered as the one that forged their resolve. Seven games. No shortcuts. Just playoff basketball at its finest.
