Boston has the 55-50 edge at halftime, with Jayson Tatum leading the way and Orlando close enough to threaten.
Boston edged the first quarter 24-23, then widened the gap with a 31-27 second to take a 55-50 halftime lead. Jayson Tatum has 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting and 6-of-7 at the line, helping the 4-1 Celtics—ranked sixth in the power index—stay in front. Orlando, 2-3 and ranked 22nd, remains within five behind Desmond Bane’s 11 points and three made threes. After the break, watch whether Bane’s perimeter touch and Franz Wagner’s eight assists can fuel a Magic push, or Tatum can keep Boston’s offense in control.
Key Performers
Jayson Tatum, Celtics: 17 points, 4 assists Desmond Bane, Magic: 11 points, 3-of-5 from three Franz Wagner, Magic: 8 points, 8 assists