After a long season that wasn’t boring at any stage, knocked the Playoffs, finally. Thanks to the nail-biters, the trade, the drama, this is far from being boring, as records, one after another, continue to break. After the Miami Heat created history by being the first team from the 10th seed to reach the Playoffs, Orlando’s win against the Hawks sent a message out to the NBA: Franz Wagner is back. Missing out on the last two regular-season games turned out to be a blessing in disguise. But what gives them even more confidence before starting against the Celtics is that they beat the defending champions in their last regular-season encounter when Wagner had hit 23 points. But everyone knows the playoff Boston is a different gravy with the Jays.

Franz and Paolo Banchero are possibly one of the top 5 dynamic duos of the league. It was the first time in NBA history that a pair of 23-or-younger teammates each reached these statistical marks in the same season. They were two of 4 players in the NBA to average at least 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the season. And they’ll hope that partnership shines tonight at the TD Garden. But will they be fit for it?

Magic injury report ahead of Celtics clash

What a revelation of a season it’s been for Franz. He wasn’t bad by any means at all; it’s just that this season has been that good. All the injuries that could’ve marred his consistency, and he still managed an average of 24.1/5.7/4.7 in 60 games he has played this season. When Orlando needed a hero, Franz didn’t blink—he stepped into the fire, dragged his team into the No. 7 spot in the East, and made clutch look casual. This isn’t just a breakout year—it’s a statement. Franz Wagner is built for the big moments, and he’s just getting started. But that right torn oblique could’ve been really bad for him and Orlando both. But their all-round adaptability showed deep. Luckily, it doesn’t have to come into play tonight, as Franz Wagner is fit to play against the Celtics.

As for Paolo Banchero, man- where can we start? He’s easily been their best performer this season. And that’s considering the 36 games he’s missed due to his injuries. It takes a major talent to be the spearhead of the attack while not being a consistent presence on the wood. Will he play tonight? Absolutely. Banchero will play against a daunting Boston. You can almost hear the City Beautiful collectively punching the air right now.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows at the Wagner household this season. Two opposing narratives haunt them- Franz’s revelation and Moritz’s journey of recuperation. It says a lot when you’ve been ruled out for the season in January after undergoing a successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Due to this, Moritz Wagner is out for the clash in Boston.

The only other confirmed absentee for tonight’s playoff game is guard Jalen Suggs. After undergoing his knee surgery in February, he was ruled out for the rest of the season, too. It was genuinely heartbreaking for the 23-year-old. Even in the 35 games he’s played, he’s averaged a 16/5 statline. But the Magic have proved their class without Suggs in the squad, so they should be good. It would’ve been nice to have him, though.

Magic predicted lineup against Celtics

The rest seems pretty healthy to play tonight. It seems like their injury-ridden regular season is a distant memory. Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner would’ve added that much more quality, but they’ll be confident of a repeat in performance from their win the last time the sides met. And on that note, let’s see their predicted lineup for the Celtics game tonight:

And there we go- you’re now all set to watch the East’s first playoff clash. Trust me, it’s gonna be one to watch. The Celtics can finally flex their muscles after a fantastic regular season. But do you think a sparkling Orlando Magic lineup will upset the TD Garden tonight on Easter?