Eastern Conference playoff seeding is on the line when the Orlando Magic visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Philadelphia has won six consecutive games and are 5-0 since reigning MVP Joel Embiid returned from injury on April 2. The 76ers are trying to play their way out of the play-in tournament and are one game back of the No. 5 Magic and No. 6 Pacers.
Orlando wraps up a three-game road trip after stumbling in the first two with double-digit losses to Houston and Milwaukee. Philadelphia is a modest favorite in this matchup. Here’s the betting preview for the matchup with a pick.
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Magic vs. Sixers odds, spread and total
Magic vs. Sixers how to watch
- Date: Friday, April 12
- Game time: 7 p.m. EST
- Venue: Wells Fargo Center
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
- Magic record: 46-34
- Sixers record: 45-35
Magic vs. Sixers injury report
Orlando Magic
- Franz Wagner (ankle): questionable
Philadelphia 76ers
- Robert Covington (knee): out
- Joel Embiid (knee): questionable
- Kyle Lowry (knee): questionable
- KJ Martin (toe): questionable
Magic vs. Sixers key players to watch
Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony: The former first-round pick averages 11.6 points per game but had struggled shooting the rock in his first five outings this month, combining for just 24 points. Anthony then was a bright spot in Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee, finishing with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting and a trio of 3-pointers.
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid: Embiid has picked up where he left off after missing over two months. In four games since returning, Embiid has led the Sixers to four wins and is averaging 30 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from the field. Embiid is coming off back-to-back doubles after finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in Tuesday’s victory over the Pistons.
Magic vs. Sixers prediction and pick
Philadelphia has pulled away from Orlando in both matchups this season. The two teams didn’t meet while Embiid was sidelined and it was Philadelphia’s defense that set the tone in those matchups, combining to hold Orlando to 43.3% shooting (68-of-157) and 33.9% from 3-point range (19-of-56).
Orlando has been great for backers this season, going 26-13 ATS at home and 23-17 ATS on the road. Orlando’s defense is No. 3 in the NBA in scoring, giving up 108.5 points per game. Orlando is a defensive-minded team, but its offense has plagued the club over its current 4-6 stretch.
The 76ers have looked and played like a team on a mission since Embiid returned and there’s too much momentum on Philly’s side to stand in front of that right now. The Magic are just 15th in effective field goal percentage and rely heavily on shooting from inside the arc. Embiid being back on the floor obviously elevates Philadelphia’s defense, which can plug up the paint and cause headaches for Orlando for the third time this season. Lay the points with the surging Sixers.
Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.