Sixers vs Magic: Game preview & betting info

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Sixers
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, right, dribbles the ball as Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

After winning in dramatic fashion in their last two games, the Sixers get ready to take on a youthful Orlando Magic team in a back-to-back series. Joel Embiid, James Harden, and company are on a roll, establishing the Sixers as a top team in their conference since December.

Sixers vs Magic game info

Who: Magic (19-31) @ Sixers (32-16) 
When: Monday, January 30th, 2023 at 7 PM EST
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL.
How to watch: NBC Sports Philly
How to listen: 97.5 The Fanatic

Sixers vs Magic betting offers

Latest with the Sixers

Over the weekend, the 76ers beat the Denver Nuggets at home to extend their current win streak to seven games. In the process, they showed a national television audience how resilient they can be against the top team in the west. After being outplayed in the first two quarters, the Sixers climbed back into the game with improved defense and on the back of a stellar offensive performance by Joel Embiid.

The huge subplot in the game was how Embiid was not only snubbed from being an All-Star starter, but is still lagging behind Nikola Jokic in the NBA MVP ranking. In the victory over Denver, Embiid dominated both sides of the ball, putting up 47 points and 18 rebounds.

Latest with the Magic

Orlando is currently 13th in the conference and has lost two in a row. They have a record of 4-6 in the last 10 games, but they have had key players return from injury recently.

They are 27th in the league in points per game (111.1), and they are 18th in the league in points per game allowed (114.6). 

Their leading scorers include Paulo Banchero (20.5 PPG), Franz Wagner (19.9 PPG), and Wendell Carter Jr. (15.3). Former Sixers guard, Markelle Fultz, leads Orlando in assists per night (5.6), and Carter Jr. leads the Magic in rebounds per game (8.6).

Last time they met

The 76ers and Magic last played back in November, where Philly dominated and won 133-103. In that game, the absence of Joel Embiid and James Harden allowed Tobias Harris and Shake Milton to carry the scoring load. Milton, who had an impressive string of games during that period, put up a game high of 29 points while dishing out 7 assists.

For the Magic in that game, Paulo Banchero led Orlano with 18 points but only secured one rebound. Gary Harris led the Magic with five assists.

What to expect 

After an intense rivalry week where Sixers fans saw key matchups against the Nets and Nuggets, it will be interesting to see how Philly comes out. Like they’ve done in matchups with non-playoff contending teams like Houston, Washington, Oklahoma City, the 76ers have been known to let down their guard. 

However, Doc Rivers’ team has won 20 of the last 24 games. They are fourth in the NBA in point differential (3.9) and opponent points scored per game (110.9).

The Sixers, though having had difficulty limiting Brooklyn and Denver’s offensive production, are still one of the best defending teams in the league. Couple that with the offensive woes that the Magic have had scoring the basketball, this should be a game where Philly handles a young Orlando team.

Betting odds per Draftkings

Spread: Sixers -9 | Magic +9

Moneyline: Sixers -365 | Magic +300

Injury report

Chuma Okeke: out

Joel Embiid: Day-to-day

(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton