It's no Hocus-Pocus. The Magic are a legit foe in the East

They have more experience, good health (finally) and a really strong defense that should provide a good challenge for the Celtics tonight.

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero challenging shot at the rim by Denver’s Nikola Jokic. Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images.

The silver lining that comes about with early season setbacks, is the opportunity to learn from them in real time soon after.

This season has been one in which stumbling blocks have been few and far between for the Boston Celtics, currently sitting on a league-best record of 12-3.

Of the three losses, two (at Minnesota and at Philadelphia) came against teams that have spent most of this season ranked among the league’s top teams defensively.

And Boston will see more of the same today against an Orlando Magic squad which has gotten off to a better-than-expected start to the season.