Marc Spears gives the following breakdown of the series:
The teams split the season series, 2-2. Orlando won the last two contests, but in the first game (86-79, March 8) the Celtics were without Kevin Garnett and Rondo, and in the second game (84-82, March 25) a gimpy Garnett played just 16 minutes in his final game of the season.
The Magic also have their share of key injuries. Starting shooting guard Courtney Lee missed the first-round clincher because of a sinus fracture. All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson was shut down for the season after tearing his right labrum Feb. 2.
The Magic are led by Howard, their All-Star center who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Howard averaged 16.8 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 4 blocks against Boston during the regular season. Forwards Rashard Lewis (21.5 points) and Hedo Turkoglu (17.5) gave the Celtics trouble on the offensive end and are major 3-point threats, but the Magic will only go as far as Howard takes them.