The 34-15 Boston Celtics host the 22-28 Orlando Magic as Boston looks for its fifth win in a row with a number of injured players likely to sit.
The Celtics have turned around a rough January to have won seven of their last 10 games, clawing their way back up to third in the East standings, while their opponent, the Magic, hold down the eighth slot in the East after winning just three of their last 10.
Boston has reverted to the Hospital Celtics — hopefully for the very short term — with centers Daniel Theis (ankle) and Robert Williams III (hip) out for the contest and guards Kemba Walker (knee) and Marcus Smart (quad) both questionable.
Center Enes Kanter (hip) and forward Gordon Hayward (calf) are dinged up as well, but as listed as probable for the tilt.
Orlando isn’t doing much better on the injury front with forwards Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) both continuing to recover, and point guard D.J. Augustin (knee) joining them.
Center Khem Birch (back) may also miss the game, listed as questionable for the meeting.
Boston should win this contest handily with the talent advantage even with so many players potential scratches, but as always will have to show up to play against a team that is still dangerous despite their own litany of injuries.
This is reflected in most online sportsbooks granting the Celtics a -6 spread.
