Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic 2026 NBA Play-In Preview

Alta Sports2 days ago · 398 views

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic 2026 NBA Play-In Preview image

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

A spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs will be at stake this coming Thursday (PH time) when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament. The seventh-seeded 76ers will host the No. 8 seed Magic, with the winner of that clash advancing to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

The Sixers qualified for the Play-In Tournament after finishing the 2025-26 campaign with a 45-37 record. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia’s attack, averaging a team-best 28.3 points and 6.6 assists per game this season.

The Sixers will have their work cut out for them, however, against the Magic as they will be missing the services of star center Joel Embiid in the Play-In game. Embiid underwent emergency surgery in Houston last week after being diagnosed with appendicitis. He has been a vital cog for Philly, averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds through 38 games this season.

Orlando had an opportunity to host this Play-In game but fell to No. 8 after losing its regular-season finale against the undermanned Boston Celtics. The Magic, who finished the season with a 19-20 record on the road, are 1-1 against the Sixers in games played at Xfinity Mobile Arena this campaign.

Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images

One player who will benefit with Embiid sidelined is Orlando forward Paolo Banchero. He has been a dominant force for the Magic this season, leading the team in scoring (22.2 PPG) and rebounding (8.4 RPG). He averaged 23.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks through two meetings with the Sixers this season.

All comments 13