Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers beat Magic to advance to playoffs

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers began their postseason run on Wednesday night as they played host to the Orlando Magic in the 7 vs. 8 matchup in the play-in tournament. The winner advanced to the playoffs as the No.

7 seed while the loser prepared for a win-or-go-home situation in a second play-in game. The Sixers entered this one with Joel Embiid sidelined, but they were able to lean on Tyrese Maxey and their veterans to step up and get the job done in this situation. Philadelphia walked away with a 109-97 win over the Magic to advance to the playoffs as the No.

7 seed and set up a date with the Boston Celtics in Round 1 starting on Sunday. Maxey had 31 points and six assists for Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 points, and Paul George added 16, five rebounds, and five assists.

VJ Edgecombe had 19 points and 11 rebounds while Andre Drummond chipped in with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Here are the player grades following the win: Tyrese Maxey: A The star guard put his head down and attacked this Magic defense early and often. There were some struggles in the early going as he had to battle through Orlando’s physicality, but once he found a rhythm, he was able to get the scoreboard moving for Philadelphia.