Two out of three boxes were checked for the Philadelphia 76ers after their Sunday finale against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 12.
The Brooklyn Nets didn’t do the Sixers any favors, as they were blown out by the Toronto Raptors. Now, the sixth seed belongs to the Raptors, while the Sixers picked up a Play-In game against the Orlando Magic.
On a positive note, the Magic lost to the shorthanded Boston Celtics. As a result, the Sixers secured the seventh seed, which gave them a chance to host the battle for a first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
After the Sixers’ comfortable 126-106 win over the Bucks, the head coach Nick Nurse addressed the upcoming matchup against Orlando.
Nick Nurse Speaks On The Orlando Magic
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 08: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on December 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“Theyâre a pretty physical team,” Nurse told reporters. “Looks like they got everybody back now, too. I think they’re pretty much fully healthy. So that’s a very talented team. They have hardly been healthy all year. Big wings and aggressive guards.
[Jalen] Suggs and [Desmond] Bane are two competitive, physical guys back there, [Paolo] Banchero and Wagner at the wings, and they got some decent depth back. [Anthony] Black has had a great season when he’s been healthy, too. So very good, very talented team. They’ve been one of many teams in the league that haven’t been very healthy this year. So, a really tough game.”
The Magic finished the season with the same 45-37 record as the Sixers.
Recently, they’ve gone on a hot run, winning seven of their last 10 games, leading up to the final matchup against the undermanned Celtics.
The Magic anticipate being healthy in the battle for No. 7 in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers will still face a notable injury concern.
Joel Embiid is currently recovering from surgery after dealing with appendicitis last week. While the 76ers haven’t put an official timeline on the star center’s return, he is expected to miss Play-In action.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 3: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 3, 2026 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Sixers will lean on Tyrese Maxey to lead the way. Since December 6, 2024, Maxey has faced the magic five times. The young star has averaged 27.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game in those outings.
The 76ers are 2-1 against the Magic this year. They won the most recent matchup on January 9, with a score of 103-91.
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