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. Read More: Boston Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Reveals Details About Jayson Tatum's Surprise Illness Instead,

The defending NBA champion Boston Celtics suffered their seventh loss of the 2024-2025 season on Monday, when they fell to the Magic in Orlando by a 108-104 final score. Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was dropped from the Celtics lineup unexpectedly minutes before the tipoff,

Joe Mazzulla quickly shut down any notion that was the case.

During the latest episode of the Celtics Chronicle podcast, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese broke down the Celtics struggles. They discussed Boston's lack of true creators and why the team is so much better with Tatum in the rotation. They also gave credit to the Magic, who continue to find ways to win despite being riddled with injuries.

the Orlando Magic have their eyes set on achieving another amazing feat before the holiday break. The shorthanded Magic (18-12) are looking to stack another memorable win under their Christmas tree when they take on the defending champion Boston Celtics ...

Jayson Tatum returned to the floor Wednesday night for the Celtics after an illness sidelined him unexpectedly Monday.

Orlando, on the other hand, started two-way contract player Trevelin Queen, who had never started an NBA regular-season game before, and 23-year-old rookie Tristan da Silva, along with Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Goga Bitadze.

The Celtics have won three of their last four and six of nine in December, and have matchups against the Magic, 76ers, and Pacers on the schedule in the next seven days.

Orlando sits 18-12 and fourth in the East after an all-time comeback victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Boston enters the contest 22-6 and second in the East after a 25-point victory over the Chicago Bulls the same evening. Here's the latest on player health and status ahead of the contest.

The Celtics were able to build a 15-point lead at halftime largely thanks to their defense but that advantage evaporated in the third quarter. Orlando got red-hot with their shot in the frame, knocking down 60 percent of their attempts and all seven of their free throws as they erased Boston’s lead entirely.

The Philadelphia 76ers got their best win of the season, defeating the Boston Celtics 118-114 on Christmas Day. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid were both excellent, scoring a combined 60 points.