Philadelphia 76ers Headed to Play-In Tournament, Set to Host Orlando Magic

Tyrese Maxey scores 21 points in the Sixers' final regular-season game against the Bucks.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic energy and movement of a basketball game, with players and the court deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color.The 76ers' play-in tournament matchup against the Magic promises an intense, high-energy contest as both teams vie for a spot in the NBA playoffs.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers secured a spot in the NBA play-in tournament with a 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 21 points, while the Bucks played without All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Sixers will host the Orlando Magic in a play-in game on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the first round of the playoffs.

Why it matters

The 76ers' playoff berth comes despite injuries to key players like Joel Embiid, who has been limited to 38 games this season. The team's ability to secure a play-in spot despite these challenges speaks to their depth and resilience. The play-in tournament also provides an opportunity for the Sixers to build momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

In the regular-season finale, Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points to lead the 76ers to a 126-106 victory over the Bucks. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Sixers were missing Joel Embiid due to appendicitis. AJ Green set a Bucks single-season record with 232 3-pointers, passing Ray Allen's previous mark of 229. Sixers fans loudly booed head coach Doc Rivers, who is headed to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this summer.

  • The 76ers' regular-season finale was on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The 76ers will host the Orlando Magic in a play-in game on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

A 76ers guard who scored 21 points in the team's final regular-season game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

An All-Star and former MVP for the Milwaukee Bucks, who sat out the team's final regular-season game.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center, who missed the team's final regular-season game due to appendicitis.

AJ Green

A Bucks player who set the team's single-season record for 3-pointers made with 232.

Doc Rivers

The 76ers' head coach, who is headed to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this summer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of the 76ers-Magic play-in game on Wednesday will advance to the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

The 76ers' ability to secure a play-in tournament spot despite key injuries to players like Joel Embiid demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. The play-in game against the Magic provides an opportunity for the Sixers to build momentum heading into the postseason.