The Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic tomorrow night in the NBA postseason play-in tournament with a spot for the 7th seed on the line.
Philadelphia is coming off a blowout win against the Bucks in their regular season finale at home 126-106. Orlando is coming off a disappointing loss on the road against the Celtics 113-108.
Both teams finished the regular season with a 45-37 record. Philly won the regular season series 2-1. The recipe for this season for both teams have been injuries and inconsistency. Joel Embiid will miss this game due to an abdomen injury and he just got surgery on it. Paul George came back after a 25-game suspension and is showing flashes of his old self. Franz Wagner missed a big chunk of the season only playing 34 games. Paolo Banchero had one of the healthiest seasons of his career this season.
The bright spots for Philly this season have been Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Maxey had a career year this season with averages of 28.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, and 6.6 apg. Edgecombe has been one of the best rookies this season with averages of 16.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and 4.2 apg.
There is a ton of pressure on both teams to make it. Paolo Banchero is highlighting the pressure for the Magic. Banchero is a playoff riser averaging 28 points-per-game. The play-in is not the playoffs but the intensity will be there.
The Desmond Bane trade is another one because they gave up four first round picks to get him. Bane did play all 82 games this season with some highs and lows this season. Jamahl Mosley, the head coach of the Magic is on the hot seat this season. Orlando’s duo of Franz and Paolo has potential but has it run its course?
Philadelphia has pressure of its own as well. It can be the last season of Embiid’s time with the 76ers and usher in a new era. The Paul George signing will be known as one of the worst in recent history.
The winner gets the 7th seed and the other has a win or go home scenario for the 8th seed.
