The Boston Celtics are set to face the Orlando Magic on April 12, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston, marking the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston and nationally on ESPN.
As the Celtics prepare for this matchup, they have already secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a strong record of 55-26. However, the team will be resting several key players, including Jaylen Brown, Neemias Queta, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White, all of whom are listed as out on the injury report. This decision comes as the Celtics look to manage their roster ahead of the postseason.
In light of these absences, the Celtics will field a starting lineup that features Max Shulga, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr., Jordan Walsh, and Luka Garza. This is a starting lineup the Celtics haven’t used this season, indicating a strategic shift as they prioritize health and readiness for the playoffs.
On the other side, the Orlando Magic enter the game with a record of 45-36 and are currently on a five-game winning streak. Their strong performance has positioned them to potentially secure the No. 6, No. 7, or No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference by the end of the day. The Magic’s recent success includes a decisive 127-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls in their last game.
The Celtics are coming off a commanding win against the New Orleans Pelicans, where they triumphed with a score of 144-118. This victory further solidified their position in the playoffs, but the decision to rest key players could impact their momentum heading into the postseason.
Given the circumstances, analysts expect a Magic win, but acknowledge that a Boston victory is certainly not out of the question. The Celtics have shown resilience throughout the season, and their depth may prove beneficial even with the absence of star players.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the Celtics’ strategy will unfold against a Magic team eager to improve their playoff positioning. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they head into the playoffs.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the rosters, but the anticipation for this matchup continues to build as both teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the regular season.
