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76ers & Magic Clash in High-Stakes Play-In
15 Apr
Summary
- Both teams finished with identical 45-37 records.
- 76ers host Magic due to winning two of three head-to-head.
- Winner takes seventh seed; loser fights for eighth seed.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic will vie for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Wednesday. Both teams concluded the regular season with identical 45-37 records, but Philadelphia secured home-court advantage by winning two out of three head-to-head games. The victor will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the main playoff bracket, while the loser will play another game for the eighth seed.
Orlando had previously held a lead that suggested home-court advantage, but a late-season slump, including a loss to a Celtics team resting key players, saw them fall. The Magic's inconsistency throughout the season, despite having a talented young core, has been a point of concern.
Conversely, the 76ers exceeded expectations, bolstered by the performance of emerging star Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Despite key injuries to veterans Joel Embiid and Paul George, Philadelphia maintained a winning record from the start of the season, showcasing significant growth under coach Nick Nurse.