Early slumps, defensive woes: The Celtics, Magic, the NBA Cup, and the season ahead

Beset with shooting slumps early in the season, trying to play faster and struggling with the results, and running into issues integrating new players are early-season road bumps that the Boston Celtics are trying to contend with (pun unintended) to start their 2025-26 campaign, but we could also easily be talking about the surprisingly underwhelming start of the Orlando Magic this season as well. And these two Eastern Conference ball clubs will take the court at Kia Center this Friday, Nov. 7, to play a game included in the 2025 NBA Cup schedule. They will then follow it up with a rematch on Sunday, Nov. 9 as part of a home-and-home series hosted by the Magic. What's behind Orlando's rough start? Can the Celtics capitalize on their disjointed play to steal a win or two on the road? And what does the longer-term future hold for these teams based on what we've seen so far this season? The hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with Rookie Wire editor Cody Taylor to talk about the team he covers and what's afflicting it to start 2025-26, and get caught up on all the important Celtics news to date. Be sure to tune in! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.