Celtics' Reserves Defeat Magic, Sending Orlando to Play-In Tournament

Boston's bench players led the team to a 113-108 victory, pushing the Magic into a road matchup against the 76ers.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.The Celtics' reserves' victory over the Magic sends Orlando to a high-stakes play-in tournament game against the 76ers.Daytona Beach Today

The Boston Celtics' reserves defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108, sending the Magic into a road play-in tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics' bench players stepped up to lead the team to victory, denying the Magic a chance to secure a direct playoff berth.

Why it matters

This result has major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff picture, as the Magic now face a must-win road game against the 76ers to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Celtics, meanwhile, can rest their starters and focus on preparing for the playoffs.

The details

The Celtics' reserves, led by strong performances from players like Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams, were able to hold off a late surge by the Magic and secure the victory. This result means the Magic will now have to travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers in a high-stakes play-in tournament game, with the winner advancing to the first round of the playoffs.

  • The game was played on April 12, 2026.

The players

Boston Celtics

An NBA team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Orlando Magic

An NBA team based in Orlando, Florida.

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Payton Pritchard

A reserve guard for the Boston Celtics.

Grant Williams

A reserve forward for the Boston Celtics.

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What’s next

The Orlando Magic will face the Philadelphia 76ers in a play-in tournament game on April 15, 2026, with the winner advancing to the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of depth and bench production in the NBA, as the Celtics' reserves were able to step up and secure a crucial victory that will have significant implications for the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.