Celtics' Evan Fournier: No 'extra motivation' playing against Magic

Evan Fournier will play against his former team on Wednesday with the Orlando Magic set to play the Boston Celtics. The 28-year-old downplayed the game, saying that he did not have any "extra motivation" playing against the Magic.

"I had a great time in Orlando, but I moved on," Fournier told reporters. "Playing for the Celtics is a great opportunity and I’m fully here. I don’t have any extra motivation or anything to play against the Magic. I just want to get the win and go home."

The Celtics acquired Fournier in a trade just before the deadline, sending two second-round picks to Orlando in exchange for him. Boston hoped he would help solidify its lineup for the final stretch of the season, but Fournier has only started four games as a Celtic.

At the beginning of April, Fournier contracted COVID and was forced to miss time. While he is back on the court now, his health has not fully recovered, and he compared it to having a concussion. 

The Celtics currently hold the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will need a strong finish to the season in order to not be forced to participate in the play-in tournament.