Updated April 15, 2026, 7:52 p.m. ET
The NBA kicked off the 2026 Play-In Tournament Tuesday, April 14 with the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat duking it out to stay alive in the hunt for the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed. Now, we get to see who will secure the No. 7 seed.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without their MVP center Joel Embiid as he recovers from an appendectomy. Will that be enough for the Orlando Magic to secure the No. 7 seed?
After all, Orlando has won six of their last eight entering the Play-In Tournament. Perhaps this hot streak is evidence not to underestimate them heading into the postseason.
The winner of this game secures the No. 7 seed in the East, and a date in the first round of the NBA Playoffs with the Boston Celtics. The loser will face the Charlotte Hornets Friday, April 17 to determine the No. 8 seed.
Here’s are expert predictions, the latest odds and how to watch the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic on Wednesday, April 15:
Magic vs. 76ers gets underway
The battle to determine the No. 7 seed has tipped off, and there have already been some fireworks. During a deadball situation with 8:30 to play in the first quarter, Sixers guard Kelly Oubre lowered his shoulder into a screen on Magic forward Franz Wagner. Oubre was called for the offensive foul, and Magic forward Paolo Banchero shoved Oubre, who then started to gesture toward Banchero and yell. Both players were called for offsetting technical fouls.
Banchero was later called for his second foul in the period, which bears watching, should he continue to fall into foul trouble.
The Magic lead 14-12 with 6:40 left in the period.
Magic vs. 76ers injury update
The Magic downgraded forward Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) from questionable to out. Isaac, who hasn’t played a game since March 12, had been trying to return from the injury. This likely means Tristan da Silva will continue to have a significant role off the bench.
Magic vs. 76ers starting lineups
Orlando Magic
- Jalen Suggs
- Desmond Bane
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Wendell Carter Jr.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Tyrese Maxey
- VJ Edgecombe
- Kelly Oubre
- Paul George
- Adem Bona
Magic vs. 76ers injury report
The latest injury report is out, and, aside from the significant absence of Joel Embiid, both teams are near full strength.
Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter Jr. (nasal fracture): available
Jett Howard (left ankle sprain): available
Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain): questionable
Philadelphia 76ers
Johni Broome (right knee surgery): out
Joel Embiid (appendectomy): out
Tyrese Maxey (right finger tendon strain): available
Trendon Watford (illness): probable
Magic vs. 76ers predictions, picks
USA Today: 3 of 5 choose 76ers
Despite the absence of Joel Embiid, three of our five experts decided to pick the 76ers to win this game against Orlando. The Sixers did go 2-1 against the Magic this year, including a win without Embiid in their lineup.
Jason Logan, Covers: Banchero will have a good night
Logan writes, “Banchero’s two meetings with Philadelphia tell the story. With Embiid in, he finished with 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting and scored only two free throws made. Without him, Banchero hung 32 points (10 for 18) with 11 of those coming from the stripe.”
Despite the expected big night for Banchero, Logan also seems to believe that the 76ers will win. He points out that since the NBA introduced the play-in tournament in 2021, favorites of three points or less are 8-3 straight up. That’s a pretty good ratio despite the small spread.
Zachary Cohen, VSiN: Magic will win
Cohen writes, “Under Mosley, the Magic happen to be 77-50 straight-up when facing teams that allow at least 116.0 points per game. Meanwhile, the 76ers are 3-7 straight-up when taking on teams that draw at least 27.0 free throws per game under Nick Nurse. That could be even more problematic here, as Philadelphia might have to foul a bit more with no Embiid out there to make up for defensive mistakes.”
Magic vs. 76ers odds, lines
All odds via BetMGM as of 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 14
- Spread: Philadelphia 76ers (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers (-125); Orlando Magic (+105)
- Over/Under: 222.5
Stream Magic vs. 76ers with Amazon Prime Video
How to watch Magic vs. 76ers
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia)
- TV: N/A
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video