The Boston Celtics (8-14, 5-8 home) host the Orlando Magic (10-17, 7-11 away) on Wednesday night at TD Garden (7:30 p.m., CSN). Here's what to watch for:
• Oh Oh it's Magic: The Magic are an interesting bunch. They are 3-3 in their last six games, having posted wins on the road in Utah and Sacramento to close out a length trip out west, then stole one from the Hawks during a home-and-home series. After starting 6-12, Orlando has simply played better basketball since the end of November. Nikola Vucevic is averaging a double-double for the season (18.3 points, 11.6 rebounds) while Tobias Harris (18.5), Victor Oladipo (15.1), and Evan Fournier (14.4) are all averaging double digits in scoring.
• Magic in focus: The Magic rank 25th in the league in offensive rating (98.9) and 18th in defensive rating (104). That places them in the bottom third of the league in net differential (minus-5.1, 23rd). Orlando resides in the back half of the league in most major advanced categories. What do the Magic do well? Orlando ranks sixth in defensive rebound percentage.
• Keep shooting, Kelly: Kelly Olynyk scored a career-high 30 points during Monday's win in Philadelphia. The Celtics don't expect him to lead the team in scoring every night out, but he absolutely has to display the aggressiveness he showed Monday. Olynyk didn't pass up open looks and didn't get bashful at the rare times his shot didn't fall. Better yet, he did much of his dirty work in the second half near the basket against a long and athletic 76ers team. The Celtics need that Olynyk in order to be competitive, especially as the team's offense comes back to Earth a bit after a fast start.
• Loose Balls: The Celtics are expected to be without rookie guard Marcus Smart (foot). Boston reserves Marcus Thornton (calf), James Young (shoulder), and Vitor Faverani (knee) are also out. ... Vucevic missed six games in December because of a lower-back injury, but has been back for Orlando's last two games. ... A couple notes of interest from STATS LLC: Orlando has been limited to an average of 90.1 points in dropping 11 of 12 to the Celtics. The Magic have lost seven straight in Boston. ... The Magic are averaging 92.3 points on the road and rank near the bottom of the league, but Boston is 28th with 105.2 allowed per game at home.