Maxey Powers Short-Handed 76ers Past Magic to Clinch No. 7 Seed

The Philadelphia 76ers overcame the absence of star center Joel Embiid to secure a crucial 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, locking up the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Leading the charge was Tyrese Maxey, who delivered a standout 31-point performance, including seven consecutive points late in the fourth quarter to push Philadelphia out of reach. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe added a strong all-around effort with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while providing a spark of intensity that ignited both teammates and fans.

Despite missing Embiid, who underwent an emergency appendectomy last week, the Sixers showed resilience. The two-time scoring champion made a surprise return to the team on Wednesday, watching from the bench and energizing the locker room, though no timeline has been set for his return to play.

Philadelphia now advances to a first-round playoff series against Boston Celtics, set to begin Sunday.

Orlando, meanwhile, will have another chance to extend its season. Led by Desmond Bane, who scored a game-high 34 points, the Magic stayed competitive throughout. Bane’s late three-pointer cut the deficit to two, and Anthony Black followed with another from deep to bring Orlando within one. However, the Magic ultimately faltered down the stretch.

They will now face Charlotte Hornets in Friday’s SoFi Play-In Tournament finale, with the winner claiming the No. 8 seed and a matchup against Detroit Pistons.

Charlotte enters that game fresh off a dramatic 127-126 win over Miami Heat, sealed when Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell at the buzzer. However, the Hornets will be under scrutiny as LaMelo Ball was fined $35,000 for tripping Bam Adebayo, causing a back injury that forced the Miami star out of the game.

Back in Philadelphia’s win, several role players stepped up. Andre Drummond recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 19 points. Paul George added 16, including a key fadeaway jumper in the third quarter that extended the lead.

A heated moment came when Edgecombe dunked over Jalen Suggs and exchanged words, drawing a taunting call and briefly escalating tensions on the court. Still, the Sixers maintained control, closing out the game with confidence.

With momentum on their side, Philadelphia now turns its focus to Boston, while Orlando fights to keep its postseason hopes alive.