NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Schedule: Boston Celtics Host Orlando Magic in Game 1

After a draining seven-game series against the Chicago Bulls the Boston Celtics return to the court on Monday evening as they host the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.

Boston was involved in what many consider to be one of the greatest seven-game series in NBA history as they played four overtime games, one of those a double-overtime effort and another a triple OT thriller. For Orlando their first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t grab as many headlines but the series was almost as tight as the Magic grabbed a 4-2 series victory.

The Celtics got an incredible series from Rajon Rondo as well as Paul Pierce and Ray Allen but they will need somebody down low to step up as they face the Eastern Conference’s best big man in Dwight Howard. Surprisingly the Magic managed to wrap up their series with the Sixers without Howard and Courtney Lee but if they are to find success against the Celtics both will have to be major contributors.

While Boston is the defending NBA champions they are a far cry from where they were a year ago as Kevin Garnett remains on the sidelines, a serious blow to their repeat hopes. Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins have stepped up for Boston but don’t possess the same presence as Garnett and if Orlando is able to get Howard the ball down low it could be a short series.

Of course getting the ball down low won’t guarantee the Magic take the series, Howard will need to be able to get perimeter help from Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu as well as Courtney Lee. If those guys are hitting from the perimeter the Celtics won’t be able to afford doubling Howard and that could be some easy buckets for the big man.

Boston’s offense will once again run through Rondo who will have to do more than just dump the ball off to Allen and Pierce on the perimeter. Rondo will be called upon to drive the lane and kick out to the sharpshooters. If Boston struggles from the perimeter they may have a hard time hanging with the Magic.

Tip-off for Monday night’s game is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.

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