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Cory Joseph had a strong outing, finishing with 12 points (5-of-8 FGs), three rebounds, six assists, one steal and two three-pointers in Orlando’s Game 4 loss to Boston on Sunday.
Joseph provided value to Orlando’s starting lineup, logging 27 minutes and tallying his most points and assists of the series. On the heels of the veteran guard’s most productive game of the postseason, it’s reasonable to expect Joseph will play a similar role for his team on Tuesday. The Magic will look to stay alive as they face the Celtics in Boston for Game 5.
Damian Lillard (leg) will not return to Game 4 against the Pacers on Sunday.
Lillard suffered a lower left leg injury while attempting to chase down a missed shot during the first quarter. Unable to put much weight on the leg while being helped to the locker room, the Bucks’ point guard has officially been ruled out. Given that it’s a non-contact injury, there’s undoubtedly some concern regarding Lillard’s ultimate prognosis. Kevin Porter Jr. will figure more prominently within the Bucks’ rotation, and they will also need more offense from Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green.
Franz Wagner put together a strong performance in Game 4, finishing with 24 points (10-of-22 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), six rebounds, seven assists and two three-pointers against Boston.
Wagner reached at least 20 points for the fourth time in as many games in Orlando’s opening-round series against Boston. He recorded multiple three-point makes for a second-straight game and led the Magic in assists along the way. The Magic could use another productive outing from Wagner in Tuesday’s Game 5 as they look to collect a second win and extend the series.
Paolo Banchero tallied 31 points (12-of-32 FGs, 5-of-9 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, one block and two three-pointers in Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Celtics.
Despite struggling with his shooting efficiency, Banchero put forth another high-scoring performance, topping 30 points for the third time in four postseason games against Boston. The former No. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft remained active on the glass and continued to make a living at the charity stripe in the process. Orlando will hope for another well-rounded effort from Banchero in Wednesday’s Game 5 in Boston as the Magic look to avoid elimination.
Jaylen Brown finished Sunday’s Game 4 win over Orlando with 21 points (6-of-16 FGs, 9-of-10 FTs), 11 rebounds, one assist and two steals in 41 minutes.
Brown was inefficient from the floor in Sunday’s win, but a big night on the boards and great production from the free-throw line led him to a double-double. Brown’s double-double was in addition to Jayson Tatum’s, who finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds. The Celtics’ dynamic duo will aim for repeat performances on Tuesday with hopes of closing out the Magic in Game 5.
Kristaps Porzingis finished Sunday’s Game 4 win over the Magic with 19 points (7-of-14 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), 5 rebounds, one assist, one steal and two three-pointers in 22 minutes.
Porzingis bounced back from a low-scoring Game 3 with his second double-digit outing of the series. The performance included two three-pointers, which were the first of the opening round for the nine-year veteran center. With Porzingis finding his touch from beyond the arc, perhaps he’ll sustain his rhythm in Tuesday’s Game 5 in Boston, where the Celtics will look to close out the series.