Will All-Defensive Second Team Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs hit the hardwood on Friday in a rematch against the Boston Celtics? More Celtics: Boston St

Paolo Banchero’s return to the lineup for Orlando was supposed to take them from overachievers to contenders. That is a work in progress. The Magic have lost four of their last six. They lost most recently 122-93 Wednesday in Milwaukee. Boston was upset Wednesday in Toronto. The Raptors knocked off the defending champs 110-97.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, right, looks to shoot against Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Amid their worst stretch of the season, the Celtics will try to regain their early-season form against the Magic.

BOSTON – The Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics do battle for the second time this season Friday evening. Tipoff between the two Eastern Conference foes is at 7 p.m. ET from TD Garden. Each team will be looking to bounce back after uncharacteristic losses. But, one team will be much healthier when attempting to do so.

The Celtics will be playing the full four quarters on Friday, but they're expected to have things wrapped up well before that. They will challenge the Orlando Magic at 7:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden. Neither of these teams found much success offensively their last time out,

The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics return to TD Garden Friday night still looking for consistent traction as they get set to host the Orlando Magic.