The Boston Celtics are set to begin the second round of the NBA playoffs against either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday, May 5, at TD Garden. The Celtics secured their playoff position following a decisive victory over the Orlando Magic, marking their fourth consecutive season advancing past the first round. Notably, the team will benefit from a five-day rest period, which could be critical for managing player injuries, particularly for Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, who have all been dealing with various ailments.

As for the Knicks and Pistons, the Knicks currently lead their series 3-2, and a pivotal Game 6 is on the horizon, where the Pistons will attempt to force a Game 7. Meanwhile, the Celtics are focused on their upcoming matchups, knowing they will face a tough opponent in the next round.

The Boston Celtics have secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after an impressive 120-89 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5. The Celtics displayed a remarkable turnaround, coming back from a halftime deficit, fueled by a dominant second half that saw them outscore the Magic 73-40.

Jayson Tatum shone brightly, racking up 35 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 23. The Celtics' strong shooting, especially from beyond the arc, was key to their success, as they hit 13 of 17 three-pointers in the second half. Paolo Banchero of the Magic had a solid game with 19 points before foul trouble hindered his team's momentum.

The Boston Celtics displayed their championship credentials with a decisive 120-89 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5, securing the series 4-1. Despite being behind at halftime, the Celtics executed a phenomenal second-half surge, outscoring the Magic by over 30 points, marking a historic achievement in NBA playoff history. Jayson Tatum was spectacular, contributing 35 points and 10 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 23 points, showcasing their offensive prowess.

The Celtics' defense stepped up significantly, effectively neutralizing key Orlando players and creating turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Coach Joe Mazzulla's strategic adjustments were instrumental, particularly in exploiting defensive mismatches. Kristaps Porzingis, although not scoring heavily with 9 points, played a vital role in interior defense and offensive spacing. Reflecting on their growth, Porzingis noted the team had room to improve, emphasizing the pursuit of their best basketball.

The Ottawa Senators have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their opening playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, fighting off elimination twice. After a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory, they managed to secure a surprising 4-0 shutout win, narrowing their series deficit to 3-2. This unexpected shutout caught many Proline bettors off guard, with a staggering 84% expecting a Toronto win.

In a broader context of playoff action, the Edmonton Oilers have also pulled ahead in their series against the Los Angeles Kings, winning 3-1, much to the dismay of 63% of bettors who favored the Kings. Meanwhile, in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers clinched their series against the Milwaukee Bucks in a nail-biting 119-118 overtime victory, while the Boston Celtics easily advanced with a blowout win over the Orlando Magic.