After finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference standings at the conclusion of the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to take on the Orlando Magic at home in the 7 vs 8 matchup in the play-in tournament. The hosts will get their first crack at sneaking into the playoffs to snap a one-year sabbatical, and right from the get go, it seems like they already have the upper hand.
Sources say that the Magic are currently in disarray, with one of their star players reportedly willing to ask for a trade if their team does not part ways with head coach Jamahl Mosley, who has basically been on the hot seat for the last couple of seasons. Orlando appears to be approaching the play-in game with a bitter taste on their mouth, albeit of the non-encouraging type.
While the 76ers are shorthanded in that they will be missing the services of Joel Embiid, their best player, but facing a turmoil-filled Magic squad is going to make a life a little easier for them. Hopefully, they can take advantage at home and deliver themselves safely into the actual playoffs to face the seventh-seeded Celtics and not risk outright elimination in the second play-in matchup.
The 76ers gain the upper hand over the Magic before the game even tips off
The Magic are going to be at full strength against the 76ers with both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner cleared to play. Still, the 76ers have more than enough ammo to successfully counter and fend off their opposition's pieces on the offensive end.
Orlando was widely billed as a clear-cut contender in the East before the season began, but stagnant growth stunted whatever development they were brewing as a collective. It also did not help that Mosley was not able to have s firm grasp on his troops, which is apparent in the way they play.
Thus, the 76ers should strike the iron while it is still hot and take advantage of their mental edge over the Magic. Right now, it almost feels like Orlando is begging not to make the playoffs just to prove a point. Philly's mindset should center on how they can help them make that come true.
As long as they play their game and do not shoot themselves in the foot as they often do, the Philadelphia 76ers should have a very good shot at winning their first play-in game in order to prevent a sudden death match. Now, the ball is now on their court if they can capitalize.
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