Paul Pierce confidently predicts Celtics-Magic series outcome

The Celtics begin their quest for a second straight NBA championship on Sunday against the Orlando Magic.

Orlando beat Boston twice this season, but both teams get a clean slate in the postseason. And just because the Magic has found success against their first-round opponent in the regular season, one Celtics legend doesn’t believe that will lead to a series victory.

During a recent appearance on FOX Sports’ “Speak,” Paul Pierce revealed that while the Magic have a franchise player in Paulo Banchero, they ranked last in 3-point percentage, 3-pointers made and were 27th in field goal percentage.

“They can’t score,” Pierce said. “Regular season, they’ve been having the Celtics’ number over the last couple years. But it is the playoffs. You can’t take people lightly, because you have to understand, when you’re the champs, there’s a target on your back. You’re going to get their best.”

The Celtics cruised to Banner 18 last summer when they went 16-3. But it probably won’t be as simple a path this year as it was last year. Boston dealt with some lulls this season — particularly in December and January when the team went 18-12 during that stretch — but ended up winning 29 of its last 35 games.

Jaylen Brown is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee, but he’ll play Game 1 at TD Garden.

Despite the midseason slump and the potential the Celtics won’t be 100% healthy even if everyone plays, Pierce still thinks his former team will move on to Round 2 when all is said and done.

“They have one of the best young rosters in all of basketball,” Pierce said on the Magic. ”With that being said, Celtics in four.”

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