UPDATE: The Orlando Magic are gearing up for an intense back-to-back matchup against the Boston Celtics this weekend at the Kia Center. Following their playoff exit at the hands of Boston just six months ago, the stakes are high as the Magic aim to turn their season around.
In a press conference early today, second-year forward Tristan da Silva expressed the team’s motivation: “It wasn’t too long ago… There’s a little bit of history with the Celtics so it’s extra fuel to the fire.” The Magic will host the Celtics tonight, November 3, 2023, and again on November 5, 2023, as part of the NBA Cup group stage.
After a shaky 3-5 start to the season, these matchups present a golden opportunity for Orlando to refine their strategies and improve their performance. Center Wendell Carter Jr. likened the two games to a playoff series, stating, “We’re playing this team two times in three days. It’s an opportunity for us to come out, do what we do [tonight], and then be able to make the adjustments as needed.”
Tonight’s game marks Orlando’s first appearance in the NBA Cup, the league’s inaugural in-season tournament. With a potential prize pool exceeding $530,933 for the winning team, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each player on the winning team could earn approximately $53,000 if they advance to the quarterfinals, adding an exciting layer of competition to the weekend’s events.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “Us just continuing to do that regardless if it’s a Cup game or any game is going to be important.” The players are eager to capitalize on the added stakes, with Carter noting, “Ain’t nothing wrong with a little extra money,” highlighting the significance of the tournament for team engagement throughout the long season.
The Magic are focused on improving their gameplay, particularly in communication and ball-handling. “It’s more of a simple fix… making better passes, dribbling the ball better,” Carter explained. A solid performance against the Celtics is crucial for building momentum heading into their next home game against the Trail Blazers on November 6, 2023.
As the anticipation builds for tonight’s game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Magic will perform against a familiar Eastern Conference foe. With a mix of motivation from past encounters and the allure of the NBA Cup, this weekend promises to be a thrilling test for Orlando.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage as the Magic face the Celtics tonight at 6 PM ET on the FanDuel Sports Network Florida.
