Magic fall at Sixers in play-in, will host Hornets on Friday for playoff spot
PHILADELPHIA — The Magic will have one last chance Friday to advance to the playoffs after falling to the 76ers in the Nos. 7 vs. 8 game of the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday night.
In a tight, chippy contest that featured 12 lead changes and was tied nine times, the Sixers pulled away late for a 109-97 victory inside Xfinity Mobile Arena in front of national TV audience on Amazon’s Prime Video. Despite Desmond Bane (34 points), Paolo Banchero (18) and Anthony Black (13) combining for 65 points, Orlando was unable to overcome a late surge by the Sixers, who advance to the first round of the playoffs. Playing without five-time All-NBA center Joel Embiid, Philadelphia was led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 31 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. and rookie VJ Edgecombe added 19 points apiece for the Sixers. With the loss, the No.
8 Magic (45-37) will now host No. 9 Charlotte on Friday night in a win-or-go-home contest with the No. 8 seed in the playoffs on the line.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p. m. on Prime Video.