The Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers will duke it out in the City of Brotherly Love for the right to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Read on for a preview of this game.

Catch this game live on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:30 AM, Manila time.

Away: Orlando Magic 

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jalen Suggs
  • Desmond Bane
  • Franz Wagner
  • Paolo Banchero
  • Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic have a chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing regular season. Although they won five of their last five games, Paolo Banchero and company still ended up in the play-in tournament. 

Orlando lost two of three meetings this season with the 76ers, with their lone win a 144-103 demolition of Philadelphia in an NBA Cup clash in November — in Philly.  

The Magic have played below their true potential, but they are hoping to get it together for this all-important showdown versus the 76ers. 

Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane form a formidable trio that can get it done. All three averaged at least 20 points per game in the regular season for the Magic, who shot 49.1 percent from the field in their last six outings. It is also worth mentioning that Anthony Black had 31 points on 12/17 shooting off the bench in the aforementioned Magic win over Philly.

Home: Philadelphia 76ers 

Projected Starting Five:

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • VJ Edgecombe
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.
  • Paul George
  • Adem Bona

The 76ers gathered momentum heading into the play-in by taking advantage of the lowly Indiana Pacers and the drama-filled Milwaukee Bucks. Philadelphia defeated the Pacers, 105-94, on the road and the Bucks, 126-106, at home on Saturday and Monday, respectively.

However, Philadelphia will venture into the play-in without Joel Embiid, who recently went under the knife for an appendectomy. He missed the last three regular-season games of the Sixers, with Adem Bona starting at the center spot in lieu of the former league MVP. 

However, it’s Andre Drummond, who’s really taken advantage of Embiid’s absence, with 9.0 points and 14.3 boards in the previous three Sixers contests. Drummond isn’t going to give Embiid numbers on offense, but his rebounding can provide Philly with several extra possessions, which can mean more touches for the likes of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe.

Picks

Spread: Philadelphia 76ers (-2.0)
Over/Under: Under (222.0)