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5 most important games on the Orlando Magic’s schedule

By Alfred Ezman

Markelle Fultz was at the head of making all the little plays in an Orlando Magic win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Markelle Fultz was at the head of making all the little plays in an Orlando Magic win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wendell Carter, Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter does not do anything seemingly spectacular, but his consistency is something the Magic need. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

5 most essential matchups on the Orlando Magic’s schedule

Nov. 25: vs. Boston Celtics
Dec. 17 & 19: at Boston Celtics

The first meeting between the two teams will be in Orlando for group play for the inaugural in-season tournament. It is also the last group play game for the Magic as it may come down to them competing for a spot in the actual tournament in Las Vegas.

The fact that game is an afternoon contest on NBATV on Black Friday is only going to add to the intensity of that matchup. The Magic and Celtics have already put together some stellar games. Orlando took three of four against Boston last year. This is a team the Magic feel they can beat.

Part of that is because of what they did last year in Boston.

Just like last season, the Magic have back-to-back games in the TD Garden against the Celtics. It was a set of two games in which they thrived as the capper to their six-game win streak and the turning point of their season.

What went well for Orlando in the back-to-back wins in Boston last year was the team’s defense. The Magic held the Celtics to less than 35 percent from the field and less than 30 percent from three allowing their offense to take advantage. Orlando went 3-1 against Boston overall last year.

With a setup of back-to-back games in Boston that is reminiscent of last season, Orlando looks to keep the momentum up against a title contender from last year by repeating what they did last year in the TD Garden.

The question will be whether Boston rises to the occasion. The Celtics have a tendency to play up and down to their competition at times. That was the point Eddie House was warning NBC Boston viewers when he ridiculed the Magic in those pair of losses in December.

So the question will come down to whether the Celtics treat the Magic seriously. We know the Magic will treat these games as a big moment for them.