
BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser is dealing with a right ankle sprain and is a long shot to appear in Game 2 given his doubtful listing. The 27-year-old small forward curiously didn’t play in the first half of Game 1 before rolling his ankle in the third quarter as the Celtics lost to the Knicks in overtime. The Celtics could opt to rely more heavily on their starters for the rest of the series, though that may be difficult with Jaylen Brown at less than 100 percent and Kristaps Porzingis dealing with an illness.
Source: Jared Weiss

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
This is excellent news for the Celtics. Porzingis didn’t return after leaving Game 1 of the series in the first quarter, which forced Boston to play Al Horford 34 minutes in the overtime loss against the Knicks. With Porzingis likely back, the Celtics can get back to their usual rotation, though Sam Hauser (ankle) is doubtful for Game 2.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Mazzulla also noted that Porzingis is feeling better, though the status of both players ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday isn’t fully clear. There should be a better indication in the injury report that will come out Tuesday evening. Al Horford would likely start and take on extra minutes if Porzingis is forced to miss Game 2.
Source: Jay King

BOS • Center-Forward • #42
7 months ago
Horford playing 34 minutes on Monday was not uncommon; he played 32 minutes or more in each of the final four games of Boston’s first-round series against Orlando. The difference was that he came off the bench against the Knicks, with Kristaps Porzingis’ illness forcing Horford to play more minutes after halftime. Porzingis, who missed eight games late in the regular season due to an illness, did not return. His health will be a key storyline for Wednesday’s Game 2, with Horford taking on a more prominent role if Porzingis cannot play.

BOS • Guard • #9
7 months ago
While White did lead the Celtics with five three-pointers in Game 1, he needed 16 attempts to hit that number. As a team, the reigning champs shot 15-of-60 from beyond the arc, setting NBA playoff records for most attempts in a game and lowest percentage for a team that attempted at least 50 three-pointers. White recorded a solid overall stat line outside the steals category, but his field-goal percentage took a significant hit. He and the Celtics will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum’s 16 rebounds were two shy of his playoff career-high, but the Celtics rely on him more for scoring than rebounding. And, besides scoring 13 of Boston’s first 19 points, JT struggled in Game 1. Far too often during the second half, he (and some of his Celtics teammates) settled offensively, opening the door for New York to erase a 20-point deficit. As a team, Boston attempted an NBA playoff record 60 three-pointers, and their percentage (25 percent) was the worst for any of the 23 teams in league history who have put up at least 50 threes in a playoff game. Tatum and the Celtics will look to even the series on Wednesday night.
Source: Law Murray

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown and the Celtics were on the wrong end of a shocking result Monday night, as the reigning champs lost despite leading by as much as 20. Three-point shooting was a problem for the Celtics, as they shot a putrid 15-of-60 from beyond the arc. Brown finished 1-of-10 on the night, with that poor showing dragging down his overall field-goal percentage. When Boston’s three-point opportunities come within the flow of the offense, forcing opposing defenses into rotation, they’re elite. That wasn’t the case in the second half of Game 1, hence the defeat. Brown and the Celtics will look to even the series on Wednesday night.

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser rolled his ankle after challenging an OG Anunoby three-point attempt during the third quarter. Immediately hobbling back to the locker room while the Knicks wing attempted his free throws, Hauser has yet to return to the Celtics’ bench. Boston may rely on its starters more to close out Game 1, but they could be down a rotation player for Wednesday’s Game 2.
Source: Keith Smith

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
After struggling in the first half of Monday’s series opener, Porzingis was not on the court with his teammates to begin the second half. According to the Celtics, he’s dealing with an illness and is questionable to return. Al Horford started the third quarter and will see his minutes increase if Porzingis cannot return. There will also be more minutes available to Luke Kornet.
Source: Keith Smith

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Holiday fully participated in Saturday’s practice after missing the final three games of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Magic. He’s absent from the injury report for Monday, so Boston will have its full rotation available to begin the second round. Due to Holiday’s return, Al Horford will come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
When asked about Holiday’s recovery, head coach Joe Mazzulla said, “He was able to do everything that we worked on. He’s getting better everyday.” Al Horford has been starting in place of Holiday and will likely remain in that role for Game 1 against the Knicks on Monday if Holiday remains out. The injury report should provide a clearer update on Holiday, but this is a positive development for his chances of returning after missing Games 3-5 against the Magic.
Source: Bobby Krivitsky

ORL • Center-Forward • #34
7 months ago
Carter reached double digits in rebounds in four of the five games, recording two double-doubles. While he certainly wasn’t elite, the Magic center had a decent finish to his fourth full season with the franchise. Appearing in 68 regular-season games, Carter’s scoring output decreased, but he was more productive in rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. Unfortunately, the starting role has not made WCJ a significant fantasy asset, as he finished the season ranked outside the top-175 in category leagues and outside the top-150 in points leagues. With three guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract, Carter will likely go into training camp locked into the starting center role.

ORL • Guard • #3
7 months ago
Caldwell-Pope had a brutal series, scoring no more than eight points in any of the five games. The veteran wing shot 6-of-23 from beyond the arc, which isn’t good enough for a team that lacked consistent scorers beyond Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Signed last summer with the hope that he could be a veteran voice who could also provide 3-and-D value, Caldwell-Pope underwhelmed in his first season with the Magic. He finished the regular season ranked outside the top-150 in eight- and nine-cat formats in category leagues, but KCP was close to a top-100 option in points leagues. At best, he’ll be worthy of late-round consideration in 12-team leagues next fall.

ORL • Forward • #22
7 months ago
Wagner finished his fourth NBA season with a solid performance in Orlando’s season finale. He scored at least 23 points and made at least 10 field goals in all five games. While teammate Paolo Banchero’s value in points leagues took a significant hit since he only appeared in 46 games, Wagner retained some of his value by appearing in 60. Regarding category leagues, Franz was a top-40 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. He exceeded his Yahoo! ADP (46), and stands to be a safe third- or fourth-round pick next fall. Wagner’s new contract kicks in next season, and he’ll earn nearly $38.7 million in 2025-26.

ORL • Forward • #5
7 months ago
Having scored at least 29 points in each of the first four games of this series, Banchero appeared to be a safe bet to have another good night with Orlando’s season on the line. Unfortunately, that is not how things played out. With 9:46 remaining in the third quarter and the game tied at 53, Banchero was called for his fifth foul. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley removed his star forward from the game, and Boston took over with a 35-9 run. To say this was a disappointing end to a highly productive season for Banchero would be an understatement. He did not reach his Yahoo! ADP (35) in category or points leagues, but the Magic forward’s issues in fantasy basketball had more to do with him only playing 46 games than any statistical deficiencies. Banchero will be worth grabbing within the first 50 picks in drafts next fall, especially in points leagues.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Porzingis got into foul trouble in Game 5, picking up three fouls during the first half. And for the second straight game, he was brought off the bench to begin the third quarter. Payton Pritchard (10/3/1 with two three-pointers in 25 minutes) started the third as the Celtics went small. Porzingis played 22 and 21 minutes in the final two games of this series, so the time off before the start of the second round may be beneficial to the Celtics center. Next up for Boston is either New York or Detroit.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown’s right knee continues to be an issue, but he logged 32 minutes in Game 5 and was efficient offensively. Boston taking care of business in five games will provide the banged-up champions with valuable rest before the second round begins. And this group made some franchise history, winning their fifth consecutive playoff series. That’s the sixth time the Celtics have accomplished that feat. However, the Brown/Tatum-led Celtics are the first to win all five series in five games or fewer. Next up for the reigning champs will be either New York or Detroit in the second round.
Source: Sean Grande

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Closing out a series can be difficult, as the Celtics were reminded on Tuesday. They trailed Orlando by two at the half, with Tatum shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He would only make four more field goals on the night, but the six-time All-Star took advantage of the foul line. Tatum made all 11 of his attempts in Game 5, extending his streak to 37 consecutive made free throws. With New York losing to Detroit on Tuesday, the Celtics will have a rest advantage to begin the second round, regardless of who their next opponent will be.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown is available after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. The reigning champions will only be without one starter, Jrue Holiday, for Tuesday’s game as they look to close out the Magic. Al Horford will remain the fifth starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown has been listed as questionable for a third straight game, and he was able to suit up for the first two. After scoring 21 points in Game 4 on Sunday, expect Brown to once again be a reliable scoring option on Tuesday. If he isn’t able to play, Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard would likely move into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
This will be the third straight game that Holiday has missed with this hamstring issue. With a chance to close this series out at home, Al Horford will remain in the starting unit once again.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Joseph provided value to Orlando’s starting lineup, logging 27 minutes and tallying his highest points and assists totals of the series. On the heels of the veteran guard’s most productive game of the postseason, it’s reasonable to expect Joseph will play a similar role for his team on Tuesday. The Magic will look to stay alive as they face the Celtics in Boston for Game 5.

ORL • Forward • #22
7 months ago
Wagner reached at least 20 points for the fourth time in as many games in Orlando’s opening-round series against Boston. He recorded multiple three-point makes for a second-straight game and led the Magic in assists along the way. The Magic could use another productive outing from Wagner in Tuesday’s Game 5 as they look to collect a second win and extend the series.

ORL • Forward • #5
7 months ago
Despite struggling with his shooting efficiency, Banchero put forth another high-scoring performance, topping 30 points for the third time in four postseason games against Boston. The former No. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft remained active on the glass and continued to make a living at the charity stripe in the process. Orlando will hope for another well-rounded effort from Banchero in Wednesday’s Game 5 in Boston as the Magic look to avoid elimination.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown was inefficient from the floor in Sunday’s win, but a big night on the boards and great production from the free-throw line led him to a double-double. Brown’s double-double was in addition to Jayson Tatum’s, who finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds. The Celtics’ dynamic duo will aim for repeat performances on Tuesday with hopes of closing out the Magic in Game 5.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Porzingis bounced back from a low-scoring Game 3 with his second double-digit outing of the series. The performance included two three-pointers, which were the first of the opening round for the ninth-year veteran center. With Porzingis finding his touch from beyond the arc, perhaps he’ll sustain his rhythm in Tuesday’s Game 5 in Boston, where the Celtics will look to close out the series.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum put together another strong outing vs. the Magic in his second game back in the lineup following a wrist injury that sidelined him for Game 2. Tatum’s point total in Sunday’s victory was his highest of the series and the second consecutive game in which he tallied at least 36 points. Additionally, Tatum grabbed double-digit rebounds for the second time in the opening round, giving him his second double-double of the 2025 postseason. He’ll have a chance for a third-straight 30-point game in Tuesday’s Game 5.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
For the second consecutive game, Brown has been cleared after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup. Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is the only starter missing; Al Horford will remain in the starting five.
Source: Boston Celtics

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Holiday will miss a second straight game with a strained right hamstring and is considered day-to-day, according to Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Al Horford will remain in the starting lineup as long as the Celtics are down a starter.
Source: Boston Celtics

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown was also considered questionable ahead of Game 3 on Friday, ultimately logging 34 minutes. With Jrue Holiday (hamstring) already out, look for Brown to take on his usual role as the Celtics aim to take a 3-1 series lead. If he does not play, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard would take on expanded roles.
Source: Boston Celtics

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Holiday sat out Boston’s Game 3 loss to the Magic on Friday with a strained right hamstring. While his status for Game 4 on Sunday has not been officially determined, the veteran guard will be considered day-to-day. Al Horford has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and that will remain the case if Holiday is unable to play.
Source: Bobby Manning

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown followed up his 36-point explosion in Game 2 of the series with a subpar game Friday. The 28-year-old small forward had 19 points on 14 shots, but turned the ball over six times. He was -8 in 33 minutes in a two-point loss for the Celtics. Brown continues to deal with a knee issue that has bothered him down the stretch of the regular season. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum came back from a nasty wrist injury that knocked him out of Game 1 and caused him to miss Game 2. The 27-year-old small forward led the way for the Celtics. Tatum had 36 points on 22 shots including four made three-pointers. He struggled to take care of the ball with seven turnovers, though. Overall, it was certainly encouraging that Tatum was able to play 39 minutes even though the Celtics ultimately lost the game.

ORL • Center-Forward • #34
7 months ago
Carter Jr.'s 10 points may not seem like much, but he was the only Magic player in double figures outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The 26-year-old center also added 12 rebounds to earn himself a double-double. He’ll continue to be a crucial piece of the Magic’s supporting cast as they look to even the series in Game 4 Sunday.

ORL • Forward • #22
7 months ago
Wagner was hardly efficient with 32 points on 27 shots in Game 3, but with neither team reaching 100 points his point total was plenty. Wagner was one of only three Magic players in double figures in Game 3. He’ll have to continue scoring at a high level if the Magic are going to have a chance to even the series against the Celtics Sunday.

ORL • Forward • #5
7 months ago
While the Magic won Game 3, Banchero’s game was much like the first games. The 22-year-old power forward was able to score seemingly at will, but his assist total took a hit with his supporting cast outside of Franz Wagner struggling to score. Banchero has 97 points through the first three games of the series. Orlando will look to even the series against the defending champion Celtics Sunday.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum is making a return from a nasty wrist injury that forced him to leave Game 1 and miss Game 2. With Jrue Holiday out with a hamstring injury, Horford will get another start for the defending champions as they look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Holiday is out with a strained right hamstring. With Jayson Tatum returning after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury, the Celtics will only be down one starter. Al Horford and Sam Hauser are options to move into the starting lineup for Game 3 against the Magic Friday.
Source: Zach Cox

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum is returning after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury. It’s a surprising turnaround after the 27-year-old small forward was initially listed as doubtful. Brown has been dealing with a knee injury for some time now, but is available again after his 36-point explosion in Game 2.
Source: Zach Cox

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum’s status has been upgraded to questionable, giving him a chance to play, though he’s not out of the woods just yet. The 27-year-old small forward missed Game 2 with a right distal radius bone bruise. Al Horford would likely start for Tatum again if he’s ruled out while Payton Pritchard would see increased opportunities. The Celtics would like to lean heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is also questionable with a knee injury.
Source: Bobby Krivitsky

ORL • Center-Forward • #34
7 months ago
After scoring just four points in Game 1, Carter was more impactful on that end of the floor Wednesday night. He shot 75 percent from the field and made all three of his three-point attempts. The eight rebounds were also solid, but, as was the case in Game 1, Carter did not record any defensive stats. During the regular season, he averaged 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, so that is not a huge surprise. However, given Orlando’s offensive struggles outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Carter’s play and production are critical if the Magic are to have any chance of winning this series. Trailing two games to none, Orlando hosts Game 3 on Friday.

ORL • Forward • #22
7 months ago
After shooting below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers in Sunday’s series-opening defeat, Wagner was more efficient in Game 2. He only committed two turnovers and was one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Given the struggles of Orlando’s supporting cast, the Magic will need an even better version of Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. The scene shifts to Orlando, with Game 3 set for Friday night.

ORL • Forward • #5
7 months ago
Through the first two games of the series, Banchero has scored 68 points on 26-of-52 shooting from the field. There’s no denying the fact that the third-year forward is getting what he wants as a scorer. However, due to the inability of some of his Magic teammates to hit shots, Banchero’s assist tally has not been as robust as it could be. In many instances, role players tend to perform better at home. The Magic, who are staring at a 0-3 deficit, certainly hope that will be the case in Game 3 on Friday.