Orlando Magic (15-41) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (22-32)

Feb 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) advances the ball during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia has lost their last seven games entering this matchup against Orlando. On Sunday, they were slapped around by the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Jrue Holiday continues to be the lone star that’s producing on both sides of the court, as he finished with 30 points, 5 assists and 5 boards. Luckily the team’s athletic swingman, Thaddeus Young has returned from injury and is hoping to be more in sync this time around against the Magic. Orlando has also lost their last five games and is 1-9 in their last ten games.

The last time these two teams met was over three weeks ago, with the Sixers coming out victorious in a 61-78 win. Philadelphia and coach Doug Collins understand the importance of snapping this losing streak of theirs in order to breathe some life into their limited playoff hopes. Look for Philly to bring forth a stronger effort tonight against Orlando in their home court.

Philadelphia 76ers (15-17) vs. Phoenix Suns (11-21)

Philadelphia treated their loyal fans to an impressive win over the Los Angeles Lakers last night to kick-off the new year. Jrue Holiday went off for 26 points and 10 dimes, while Evan Turner backed him up with 22 points of his own. Tonight the Sixers head off to Phoenix in the second match of their 4-game road trip to face a shaky Suns squad.

January 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) guards Philadelphia 76ers small forward Thaddeus Young (21) as he takes a shot in the first half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Suns are 4-6 in their last ten games and are currently on a six-game losing skid. They hope to snap it tonight in their homecourt against a Philly team that’s somewhat gassed after a valiant effort to defeat the Lakers last night. The Suns currently sit at the bottom of their division, with Goran Dragic leading the way with 14.3 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Look for Sixers coach Doug Collins to rely on Philadelphia’s role players who didn’t see any action last night, such as Maalik Wayns and Royal Ivey. Nick Young’s disappointing play continues for Philly, after going 0-3 last night and committing two turnovers in his 14 minutes on the floor.

The Suns will turn out to be a tough matchup for the Sixers tonight. Phoenix will be fresh and ready to start 2013 with a win to try and turn their season around. Their scoring comes from a varied amount of players such as Luis Scola, Shannon Brown and Jared Dudley. Both Marcin Gortat and Michael Beasley can also become true weapons in the front court for Phoenix.

Philadelphia will then travel to Oklahoma City for a competitive meeting against the Thunder on Friday night.