Cole Anthony Leads Magic to Playoffs, Ready to Face Celtics in First Round Clash

The Orlando Magic have punched their ticket to the NBA Playoffs with authority, cruising to a 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Tuesday’s play-in game at Kia Center. Sparked by Cole Anthony’s dynamic performance, the Magic now prepare to square off against the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated first-round matchup beginning Sunday at TD Garden.

Anthony, who previously experienced the intensity of Boston’s home crowd during the 2023 NBA Finals as a spectator, is now gearing up to face that same energy as a competitor. Recalling his visit last June while visiting his sister at Harvard, Anthony said, “That is probably the craziest environment in a game I’ve seen. I can’t wait to get out there. I can’t wait to play.”

The Magic secured the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a commanding win, setting the stage for a showdown with the second-seeded Celtics. As the underdogs, the Magic are embracing the challenge, bringing youthful energy and a confident spirit into the postseason.

The Celtics, led by their championship pedigree, are expected to provide stiff competition, but Orlando is clearly up for the task. With momentum on their side and a star like Cole Anthony ready to rise under pressure, the series promises fireworks from Game 1.