Celtics look to close out Summer League with a win over host Orlando

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Boston Celtics (2-1) at Orlando Magic (2-1)
Thursday, July 10, 2014
5:00 PM ET
TV:  CSNNE, NBA-TV
Online:  Summer League Live

Game Thread




Both teams are playing in their 4th game before the championship games begin on Friday.  The Celtics have 14 points while the Magic have 15 points.  8 points are up for grabs in this game (4 for a win and one for winning each quarter).  Philadelphia leads the points total with 22 points.  If the Magic win all 8 points, they could take over the lead.  The Celtics could tie Philadelphia for the top spot if they net all 8 points.  The points totals will determine their matchup for the final game on Friday.

The Celtics are playing in back to back games while the Magic have been off since Tuesday.  The Celtics will play 3 days in a row as they will need to play on Friday also to close out their Summer League action.  The Celtics are coming off a win over the Pistons while the Magic are coming off of a loss to the Grizzlies.

It will be interesting to watch Aaron Gordon, who may very well have been a Celtic is the Magic didn't pick him first.  Marcus Smart has shown improvement in his 3 games so far.  It would be good for him to close out Summer League with two strong performances.

Kelly Olynyk is 2-0 with his pony tail as opposed to the headband and flowing locks.  Hopefully we will see the pony tail again for this game. 




Roster
O.D. Anosike
Chris Babb
Dairis Bertans
Daniel Coursey
Colton Iverson
Edwin Jackson
Chris Johnson
Mike Moser
Devin Oliver
Kelly Olynyk
Phil Pressey
Marcus Smart
James Young

Player to Watch

Marcus Smart has 3 games under his belt and has shown some improvement as he gets used to the NBA game.   In his last game he finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in the win over the Pistons.  For the Celtics to get another win, Smart needs to come up with a good game.





Roster
Kadeem Betts
Matt Bouldin
Seth Curry
Dwayne Dedmon
Ashaun Dixon-Tatum
Kim English
Aaron Gordon
Luke Hancock
Cameron Jones
Josh Magette
Devyn Marble
Victor Oladipo
Romero Osby
Elfrid Payton
Kendrick Perry
Augustine Rubit
Scott Suggs
Vernon Macklin
Darrius Williams

Player to Watch

Aaron Gordon
The Celtics were very interested in Gordon leading up to the draft and he was rumored to be at the top of their big board.  The Magic drafted him before the Celtics made their pick, so we won't know for sure if the Celtics would have taken Gordon or Smart if both were available.   He is averaging 6.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.3 assists for Orlando in Summer League.

Key Matchup
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Phil Pressey vs Victor Oladipo
Pressey has been playing very well for the Celtics in Summer League.  The Celtics must make a decision whether to keep Pressey in their crowded back court or to release him before July 16 when his contract becomes guaranteed.    Oladipo has a year of NBA experience under his belt.   Oladipo is averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Summer League.  He is a part of the Magic's core for the future.