76ers Edge Magic in Tight Play-In Matchup

Philadelphia survives a physical battle to clinch the No. 7 playoff seed

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:34am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic, overlapping action of an NBA basketball game, with players' bodies and the ball fragmented into sharp, geometric shapes and planes of color.The 76ers' hard-fought victory over the Magic showcases the high-stakes drama and physical intensity of the NBA Play-In Tournament.Today in Orlando

The No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers held off a scrappy effort from the No. 8 Orlando Magic to win their NBA Play-In Tournament matchup 108-102 and secure a direct berth into the playoffs. The game lived up to the high-stakes pressure of the Play-In format, with both teams battling intensely on both ends of the floor throughout.

Why it matters

This win allows the 76ers to avoid the additional pressure of a second Play-In game and advance directly to the first round of the playoffs. For the Magic, the loss means their season comes to an end, despite a valiant effort to extend their campaign.

The details

The 76ers were able to lean on their home-court advantage and veteran experience to grind out the victory. Philadelphia's shot-makers made just enough plays down the stretch to hold off a late Orlando surge fueled by the Magic's stifling defense. Both teams struggled to find clean looks for much of the night, but the 76ers ultimately made a few more timely baskets to secure the win.

  • The game tipped off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia 76ers

The No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers were looking to avoid the additional pressure of a second Play-In game and secure a direct berth into the first round of the playoffs.

Orlando Magic

The No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Magic were fighting to extend their season and earn a spot in the first round of the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our guys stepped up when it mattered most. This is the kind of game that can really test your mettle, and I'm proud of how we responded.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

“It's a tough way to end the season, but I couldn't be prouder of the effort our guys put forth. We made them work for every inch, and that's all you can ask for in a high-stakes game like this.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach, Orlando Magic

What’s next

The 76ers will now advance to the first round of the NBA playoffs, where they will face the winner of the other Eastern Conference Play-In matchup.

The takeaway

This game exemplified the intensity and drama of the NBA Play-In Tournament, with both teams leaving everything on the floor in a tightly contested battle. The 76ers' veteran poise and home-court advantage ultimately proved to be the difference, but the Magic's gritty performance showed they have a bright future ahead.