The Celtics ended their four game losing streak last night in Philadelphia and now return home to take on the Magic
Both teams are coming off games last night. The Boston Celtics were able to snap their four game losing streak by taking down the Philadelphia 76ers 120-105, however, the Orlando Magic were not as lucky. Orlando comes into the game losers of their last three, including losing last night to the Toronto Raptors.
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Boston is hanging on for dear life in the Eastern Conference race. At 40-30, they have a half game lead over the Charlotte Hornets for the fifth seed in the East, although that’s a lot lower than they were hoping for. On the other hand, the Magic have really fallen off the deep end in the second half of the season. They’re currently last place in their division with a 29-40 record.
Jonas Jerebko missed another game for the Celtics on Sunday night, but there is a chance he returns on Monday. Gaining Jerebko back into the lineup would be a huge addition for a team still trying to find their identity without Jae Crowder.
Nikola Vucevic has missed eight straight games for the Magic, and it’s unlikely he returns on Monday night.
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Evan Turner has been called upon the starting role over the past two games, and it’s most likely going to continue on Monday night. He has been a catalyst off the bench this season, helping the Celtics in a multitude of ways. Although, his increased playing time means more is expected, and so far he has delivered.
In 31 minutes against the Raptors, he had 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals. In 35 minutes in last night’s win over the 76ers, he recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and shot an impressive 8-15 from the field. Turner was aggressive on the offensive end, something that needs to continue with Crowder sidelined.
The Celtics lost arguably the heart and soul of the team, and finding someone to replace him in the starting lineup won’t be easy. Turner, over his two starts, has proven to be someone who can bring a lot to the lineup. The bigger question is, how will this affect the second-team lineup. Turner is a huge part of the rotation, and despite his productive play, it doesn’t always mean moving someone to the starting lineup will work.
If Victor Oladipo is on Turner then he will be looking to create for his teammates more than himself. If Evan Fournier is on him then he should be looking to attack the basket once again because he brought a much-needed spark to the offensive end in their win over the 76ers. He needs to keep being aggressive on the offensive end because Isaiah Thomas can’t carry the entire load.
Victor Oladipo has developed nicely thus far in his NBA career. Most recently, he is on a tear and trying to will his team to a couple more victories.
He is coming off four straight 20-point games, including a 45-point outburst against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Him and Evan Turner have very similar play-styles. They both affect the game in many ways, although Oladipo has already become one of the better defensive wings in the league. Defense is one of the main facets to his game, and his 1.5 steals per game proves it.
He doesn’t shoot the ball particularly well, 43.6 field goal percentage, but he has improved his three-point shot this season. Even when not scoring, Oladipo creates for his teammates and rebounds the ball very well for a guard. Who he guards will be interesting to see as the Magic are clearly outmatched.
The Magic are one of the bottom-dwellers in the Eastern Conference this season. Just like last night, this is a game the Celtics can’t afford to lose. Both teams are coming off a game last night, so the Celtics’ depth should give them the advantage. Boston can’t come in with their heads held too high or else Orlando could shock them.
Next: Avery Bradley's Struggles Hurting Boston
The Celtics return home after two games on the road, and winning games like these over the next couple of weeks will keep them afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.