Even with four-time All-NBA power forward Jayson Tatum a late scratch due to illness, the Boston Celtics had their chances to beat the injury-plagued Orlando Magic on Monday night.
Instead, the Celtics fell late, 108-104, despite leading by 58-43 at the half. A 36-21 third quarter put the Magic firmly in the driver’s seat, and Orlando led by 10 points heading into the fourth frame. A triple from rookie forward Tristan da Silva in the contest’s waning seconds iced the win for Orlando, who improved to 19-12 on the season. The Celtics dropped to a still-good 22-7.
Three key Orlando pieces were all on the shelf. Star Magic forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner continue to rehabilitate from long-term oblique injuries, while Franz’s older brother, reserve center Moritz, is done for the year following an ACL surgery…