It’s gameday! The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Orlando Magic tonight at 7:00 pm EST at Wells Fargo Center. This game is going to be broadcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Philadelphia’s 97.5 “The Fanatic”. As for tonight’s attire, the Magic plan to wear their white association jersey and the 76ers will sport their blue icon jersey. Last season, Philadelphia got the best of Orlando and swept them 3-0 in their regular season series. Tonight, these two clubs are facing each other for the first time this year and are hoping to get that first win in this season’s series. 

Magic Outlook

The Orlando Magic are in the bottom of the barrel in the eastern conference with a 4-17 record. Disastrously, Orlando is on a six-game losing streak and are 1-9 in their last 10 games. To Philadelphia’s benefit, Orlando is 3-9 on the road this year. This past Saturday, the Magic lost to a short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers team 105-92. Despite the loss, Wendell Carter Jr. had himself a nice outing contributing 19 points and 11 rebounds on 8-13 shooting from the field. 

Due to key players suffering from major injuries, the Orlando Magic have tremendously struggled this season. Furthermore, former 76ers 1st overall pick Markelle Fultz has been rehabbing from an ACL injury that kept him out the majority of last season. Prior to this devastating injury, Fultz averaged career-highs of 12.9 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. Likewise, the defensive powerhouse Jonathan Isaac is healing from a season-ending ACL injury he suffered in the 2020 NBA Bubble. Jon Isaac’s impact on the defensive end is huge for the Orlando Magic. In the 2019-2020 season, Orlando gave up 4.0 more points per 100 possessions when Isaac wasn’t on the floor. To summarize, both players are recovering from ACL injuries and remain out indefinitely. 

Orlando’s Young Talent

Despite these crucial injuries, a few players are having very productive seasons for the Magic. Sophomore guard Cole Anthony leads the team in scoring and averages 19.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, and shooting 41.6% from the field on 16.1 shot attempts per game. Unfortunately, Anthony has been sidelined in the past four games due to a right ankle sprain. Also, he’ll be out once more against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight with this issue.

In addition, this year’s 8th overall pick Franz Wagner is off to a great start for Orlando. On the season, the rookie averages 12.7 points per game, shoots 42.5% from the field, and connects on 36.1% of his shots beyond the arc. Moreover, Franz Wagner ranks 3rd amongst other rookie’s in three-point percentage and 6th in scoring. To boot, Wagner is 5th on NBA.com’s Kia Rookie Ladder. 

Magic 5:30 am EST Injury Report:

  • Cole Anthony (Out – Right Ankle Sprain)
  • Mo Bamba (Questionable – Lower Back Maintenance)
  • Michael Carter-Williams (Out – Left Ankle Injury Recovery & Health and Safety Protocols)
  • Markelle Fultz (Out – Left Knee Injury Recovery)
  • Jonathan Isaac (Out – Left Knee Injury Recovery)
  • E’Twaun Moore (Out – Left Knee Sprain)
  • Terrence Ross (Questionable – Low Back Maintenance)

76ers Outlook

The Philadelphia 76ers are an underwhelming 10-10 on the year and sit at 11th place in the eastern conference. They’re 2-8 in their last 10 contests and only 4-5 at home this season. Most recently, Philadelphia lost in a hard-fought double overtime game vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-120. Fortunately, Joel Embiid made his return from COVID-19 in this game and contributed 42 points, 14 rebounds, and hit 12 of his 23 shot attempts. Regardless of Shake Milton’s status, the Sixers have their full rotation for the first time in almost a month. 

Reserve guard Shake Milton missed Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to groin soreness. Further, Milton is listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Orlando Magic. The 4th-year guard is averaging 12.0 points per game and shooting 45.8% from the field. 

Statistically, the Philadelphia 76ers have one of the best offenses in the league despite a .500 record. They rank 5th in the NBA in offensive rating, scoring 111.0 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, Philadelphia is 7th in the league in true-shooting percentage, shooting an efficient 56.9%. However, the 76ers have struggled with their pace of play and on the other end of the court. Philadelphia ranks last in the league in pace with an estimation of 96.22 possessions in 48 minutes. Defensively, the Sixers are 23rd in defensive rating, giving up 109.8 points per 100 possessions. 

76ers 5:30 am EST Injury Report:

  • Shake Milton (Questionable – Groin Soreness)
  • Ben Simmons (Out – Personal Reasons)

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