Isaac not making comparisons

BOSTON — Comparisons between rookies and will continue as they play in the long as NBA.

The Boston Celtics drafted Tatum third overall in June, while the Orlando Magic selected Isaac sixth. Tatum and Isaac played against each other twice in college — Tatum for Duke, Isaac for Florida State. And both players can play small forward.

Tatum’s rookie season has been far more successful than Isaac’s, as Sunday’s game between the Celtics and Magic at TD Garden showed. Tatum has started all 47 of the Celtics’ games, while Isaac sat out for the 31st time this season.

“I know where I’m at and I’m happy for other guys in my class that are playing well,” Isaac said before the Magic defeated the Celtics 103-95. “And guys who aren’t playing well, they get with it. I look at them with just encouragement that I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be in a matter of time, and I just can’t wait till I get there. But I’m not looking at them as competition.”

Isaac, a 6-foot-10 combo forward, has been hampered by a right ankle injury he suffered on Nov. 11. He will remain out of game action until his ankle heals fully.

On Sunday, Isaac said he’s making progress. He’s begun making one-dribble moves during individual workouts, putting more pressure on his ankle, and he’s also started to jump rope. He’s also taking jump shots.

Still, it’s unclear when Isaac will play again.

Tatum is averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and also has made 45.1 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Tatum and second-year player have given the Celtics a boost defensively. Their height, long arms and agility help them switch effectively when opposing teams set screens.

The Magic envision Isaac making a similar impact.

“He’s got great potential,” coach said. “We’re very, very high on that young man. I look at Brown and Tatum, and I get a little bit jealous because of the length and athleticism that they have out there, and it just got in the back of my mind we have a guy like that — even longer, actually, than both of those guys. We’re just excited to get him back in there at the right time.” Rookie Magic center

spent part of his high school years attending Notre Dame Prep, which is located in Fitchburg, Mass., about a 45-mile drive from TD Garden.

That made what he accomplished Sunday even sweeter.

Vogel played Birch a total of 17 minutes — including the game’s final seven minutes — and Birch scored four points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots.

“It’s a surreal moment,” Birch said after the game. “Regardless of what happened, I could always look back and tell my kids that I played here.”

The Celtics played in London on Jan. 11, and since that victory overseas, they’ve lost three consecutive games. Magic swingman

thinks the fatigue from that trip may play into the Celtics’ struggles.

Fournier would know. In 2016, the Magic lost a game in London and struggled in subsequent weeks.

“The Celtics played in London, so they might be a little tired and off-rhythm,” Fournier said.

Boston still has plenty to be pleased about. They own a 34-13 record and lead the Eastern Conference by two games over the Toronto Raptors.

“We’ve got to hit some adversity,” Celtics point guard said. “We have to hit We need it as a team. There’s a lot more adversity down the road, and we’ve got to be able to weather the storm no matter what.”

Irving scored a gamehigh 40 points on 14-of-23 shooting.

scored a team-high 22 points for the Magic.

The Magic held on to win despite a disastrous fourth quarter in which they made only five of their 26 shot attempts.