Magic's Jett Howard, Jonathan Isaac Questionable for Play-In Game vs. 76ers

Orlando may be without multiple key players in crucial matchup against Philadelphia.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an NBA basketball game in motion, with the players and court fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the high-stakes tension of the playoff race.Injuries to key players threaten to derail the Orlando Magic's playoff push in a crucial Play-In Tournament matchup.Boston Today

The Orlando Magic enter Wednesday's Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers with two key players listed as questionable. Rookie forward Jett Howard is dealing with a left ankle sprain, while veteran Jonathan Isaac is nursing a left knee injury. Both players have missed significant time recently due to their respective ailments and their availability for the crucial matchup remains uncertain.

Why it matters

The Magic are fighting to clinch the No. 7 seed in the East and secure a first-round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics. Losing Howard and/or Isaac would be a significant blow to Orlando's chances of advancing past the Play-In round.

The details

The Magic have listed Howard as questionable due to a left ankle sprain that has sidelined him for the past five games. If he is unable to play, Tristan da Silva could see an increased role off the bench. Isaac has also been listed as questionable with a left knee sprain that has kept him out of 20 of Orlando's last 21 contests.

  • The Magic and 76ers will tip off their Play-In game on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Howard has missed the Magic's last five games due to his ankle injury.
  • Isaac has been sidelined for 20 of Orlando's last 21 games because of his knee issue.

The players

Jett Howard

A rookie forward for the Orlando Magic who is dealing with a left ankle sprain.

Jonathan Isaac

A veteran forward for the Orlando Magic who is nursing a left knee injury.

Tristan da Silva

A forward for the Orlando Magic who could see increased playing time if Jett Howard is unable to play.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to need everyone healthy and ready to go if we want to make a deep playoff run. Jett and Jonathan are two of our most important players, so their status is definitely a concern heading into this big game.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach, Orlando Magic

What’s next

The Magic and 76ers will face off in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The winner of that game will earn the No. 7 seed in the East and advance to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

Injuries to key players like Jett Howard and Jonathan Isaac could significantly impact the Orlando Magic's chances of advancing past the Play-In round and securing a first-round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics. The Magic will need to find a way to overcome these absences if they hope to extend their season.