The Philadelphia 76ers are entering another must-win situation on Sunday, April 12. In a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers need to win in order to improve their chances of taking the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed.
That’s not all, though. The Sixers also need two teams to lose.
If Philly can defeat the Bucks, while the Toronto Raptors lose to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Orlando Magic fall short against the Boston Celtics, then the Sixers avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The slate isn’t favorable for the Sixers, though, especially considering how the Celtics’ injury report looks heading into the game.
Boston Celtics’ Injury Report Is Bad News For Philly
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 laugh together during the second half of the game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on February 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 118-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
via Adam Aaronson, Philly Voice: Sixers certainly appear to be going to Orlando as the No. 8 seed on Tuesday for a Play-In Tournament matchup.
The Celtics have locked up the East’s second seed. There isn’t much of incentive to play key players in what has become a meaningless game from their point of view.
Boston has ruled out Jaylen Brown, Neemias Queta, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White.
Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and Nikola Vucevic are all doubtful. Hugo Gonzalez is questionable.
The Celtics have proven that they can win on any given night, no matter who is on the court. But they are missing a lot of core guys. Plus, the Magic are one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference at the moment.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks won 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
With a 45-36 record, the Magic have won seven of their last 10, and have picked up five wins in a row. They have a reason to want to win on Sunday. Therefore, they won’t be taking a similar route as the Celtics.
As for the Raptors, they are taking on a struggling and rebuilding Brooklyn Nets team. The Nets have just 20 wins on the year. They are 3-7 over their last 10, and are in the midst of a two-game losing streak.
If The Sixers Land The 8th Seed…
There won’t be a home game for the start of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
If the Sixers have to travel to Orlando, it would mark the second time this season. When the Sixers paid a visit to the Magic on January 9, they picked up a 103-91 win. The 76ers are 2-1 against the Magic this year.
Anything can happen on Sunday. For now, the Sixers have to focus on their Sunday outing against the Bucks. They are set for a 6 PM ET tip.
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