Tyrese Maxey scores 31 as Sixers beat Magic in play-in game, advance to series vs. Celtics

Philadelphia overcomes absence of Joel Embiid to secure No. 7 seed in Eastern Conference playoffs

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:06am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the energy and intensity of the playoff matchup.The Sixers' playoff push without their star center Embiid showcases the team's depth and resilience as they prepare to face the Celtics.Boston Today

Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Orlando Magic 109-97 in a play-in game on Wednesday night, securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Sixers will now face the Boston Celtics in the first round, while the Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday with the winner earning the No. 8 seed and a matchup with the Detroit Pistons.

Why it matters

The Sixers' victory without star center Joel Embiid, who had an emergency appendectomy last week, shows the team's depth and resilience as they prepare to take on the Celtics in the first round. The Magic, led by Desmond Bane's 34 points, had a chance to host the play-in game but collapsed late in the season finale against the Celtics.

The details

Tyrese Maxey scored 7 straight points late in the fourth quarter to help the Sixers pull away from the Magic. V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds for Philadelphia, while Andre Drummond filled in admirably for the injured Embiid with 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. The Magic kept the game close, with Bane hitting a 3-pointer to pull them within 2 points, but the Sixers' supporting cast made the plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

  • The play-in game was held on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Sixers will face the Celtics in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The Magic will host the Hornets in a play-in game on Friday, April 18, 2026, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

The Philadelphia 76ers guard scored 31 points to lead his team to victory in the play-in game.

V.J. Edgecombe

The 76ers forward contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Magic.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers star center had an emergency appendectomy last week but returned to the team and watched the game from the bench.

Desmond Bane

The Magic guard led his team with 34 points in the losing effort.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets guard will play in their play-in game against the Magic, despite being fined $35,000 for an uncalled flagrant foul that injured Bam Adebayo of the Heat.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Sixers will face the Celtics in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Sixers' victory without Embiid showcases the team's depth and resilience as they prepare to take on the Celtics in the playoffs. The Magic's late-season collapse cost them a chance to host the play-in game, but they still have a chance to earn the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the Pistons.