The Philadelphia 76ers need a win on Wednesday night in order to officially punch their ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
With the Orlando Magic in town, the Sixers are a part of their second Play-In scenario in three years.
When the Sixers hosted the Miami Heat for the battle of No. 7 two seasons ago, they came up with a convincing win in order to draw a first-round series against the New York Knicks. The Sixers came up short for a 4-2 loss.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Last season, the 76ers failed to make the postseason. As injuries piled up for their core group, the Sixers lost at such a high rate that they kept their early-first-round pick, which was protected by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After adding VJ Edgecombe to the core group with the third overall pick in 2026, the Sixers are banking on their rookie to be a major help on Wednesday night, alongside Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Who Is Starting For The 76ers?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 76ers will roll out a starting lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George, and Adem Bona.
The Sixers are going to roll without their star center, Joel Embiid, once again.
Last week, Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis before the 76ers faced the Houston Rockets. He underwent surgery in Texas before returning home to rest and recover. As expected, Embiid missed the final two games of the regular season.
On Tuesday night, the 76ers ruled out Embiid for the first of potentially two Play-In games. Even if the Sixers have to battle for the eighth seed, there’s a strong chance Embiid isn’t back on the floor by then.
The trio of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George has a lot of pressure placed on them. Since the Sixers were viewed as potential championship contenders before and throughout the season, failing to get out of the Play-In could create some major questions around key figures within the organization.
The Sixers’ major test on Wednesday night against the Magic begins at 7:30 PM ET.
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