The Philadelphia 76ers (32-17) will be taking on the Orlando Magic (20-31) in the second game of their two-game set in Philadelphia. On Monday night, the Magic snapped the Sixers’ seven-game winning streak, winning in South Philadelphia 119-109. The 76ers led by as much as 21 points in their previous matchup, allowing the Magic to come back and steal a game in Philadelphia.
Game Info for Magic vs Sixers
When: Wednesday, February 1st, 2023
Tipoff: 7:00PM EST
Where: Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center
How to watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Magic vs Sixers betting info
Spread: Sixers -9.5 | Magic +9.5
Moneyline: Sixers (-410), Magic (+335)
Over/Under: 230
Can the Sixers bounce back against the Magic? Will The Raptors sweep their two-game set against the Sixers? Check our three storylines for tonight’s game:
Keeping Their Foot on the Gas
The 76ers were able to build a 21-point lead in their first matchup with the Orlando Magic on Monday night. In the third quarter, the Sixers allowed the Magic to score 42 points and were outscored 67-47 in the second half. If the Sixers are able to build another large lead, will they be able to close out the Magic? One would say that the Sixers may have partied too much after the Eagles’ victory Sunday night, which could have contributed to their lack of energy later in the game. I would expect Doc Rivers to be quicker with substitution if the starting unit doesn’t have any energy.
Embiid’s Availability
Joel Embiid has been dealing with a left foot injury for a while and seems to be questionable or a gamete decision every evening. With Embiid rising up the MVP ladder, the conversation about how many games he has played will begin to be discussed. If Joel Embiid is truly injured and needs to miss games, he should take the time off. The most important goal is winning a championship and he needs to be healthy for the playoff run.
Where’s the Defense?
In the last four games, the 76ers’ defense hasn’t been at its best. They have had their moments and made their adjustments in certain scenarios, but overall it hasn’t been top-notch. Over the last four games, the Sixers are allowing almost 125 ppg, and opponents have shot a combined 54 percent from the field. The team is still top six in the NBA in defensive rating but the eye test says they haven’t been that good. Is it a case of players and teams making tough contested shots? Maybe. They need to lock in on defense if they want to continue to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference.
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AP Photo/Derik Hamilton
