The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are set to collide in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on April 25, 2025, with the Celtics holding a 2-0 advantage and firmly in control as the series shifts to the Amway Center in Orlando. Boston’s ability to adapt and maintain high-level performance despite the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum in Game 2 has been a defining narrative of the series so far. The Celtics displayed their championship-caliber depth and defensive identity by grinding out a 109-100 win in Game 2, with Jaylen Brown stepping into the leading role and delivering a performance that kept Orlando from gaining any real momentum. Payton Pritchard’s contributions off the bench were also critical, giving the Celtics a spark that helped offset the physical defense and occasional scoring bursts from the Magic. Despite Orlando’s focus on playing physically and trying to disrupt Boston’s offensive flow, the Celtics have shown discipline, poise, and a strategic flexibility that’s allowed them to remain efficient even in tight possessions. Their collective execution on both ends of the floor has created separation in crunch time, a space where playoff games are often decided, and they’ve been dominant in limiting Orlando’s three-point shooting and capitalizing on defensive rebounds to control pace. The Magic, for all their defensive effort and willingness to push the tempo physically, have yet to find consistent rhythm or offensive spacing that allows their key players to shine. Paolo Banchero has shouldered much of the scoring load, and Franz Wagner has provided stretches of quality play, but the supporting cast has largely underwhelmed through the first two games. Injuries have further complicated matters—particularly the absence of Jalen Suggs, a premier perimeter defender and energy player whose presence might have shifted some of Boston’s freedom on the wing.

While the Magic have managed to keep games relatively close for long stretches, their inability to sustain scoring runs or create high-percentage looks in half-court sets has left them trailing at crucial junctures. Their defensive intensity, while commendable, has been undermined by untimely fouls and an inability to rotate quickly enough to challenge Boston’s deep shooting and off-ball movement. If they want to make this a competitive series, Game 3 is a must-win scenario, one that demands greater offensive output from players like Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., and Markelle Fultz, who must support Banchero and Wagner with aggressive drives, second-chance points, and smart ball movement to stretch the Celtics’ defense. Boston, meanwhile, has a chance in Game 3 to effectively close the door on this series and create some breathing room should Tatum remain unavailable or limited. With Kristaps Porzingis drawing attention in the paint and Derrick White continuing to be a defensive anchor at the guard position, the Celtics have tools on both ends of the court to counter Orlando’s best efforts. Their ability to switch on defense, rebound as a group, and hit timely threes—regardless of who’s on the floor—gives them a level of consistency the Magic haven’t been able to match. Even with Orlando likely to feed off the home crowd’s energy early, the Celtics have shown a calm and balanced approach that suggests they’re prepared to weather that initial push. If they continue limiting turnovers, executing in the half court, and making Orlando work for every bucket, they’ll be in prime position to move to 3-0 and set the stage for a short series. Game 3 will ultimately hinge on whether the Magic can punch through Boston’s wall of defensive intensity or if the Celtics’ depth and discipline will once again rise to the occasion.