The Sixers set up a meeting with the Celtics in the playoffs after defeating the woeful Magic

The Philadelphia 76ers took a solid step towards the playoffs by defeating the Orlando Magic 109-97 on Wednesday night, securing the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pennsylvania team managed to overcome the absence of Joel Embiid and found in Tyrese Maxey their main offensive leader.

Maxey, who is having the best season of his career, finished with 31 points and was crucial in the final stretch. The point guard scored seven consecutive points in the last quarter, allowing the Sixers to open a definitive lead against a rival that had managed to stay in the game until that moment. Alongside him, rookie VJ Edgecombe shone with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The team led from the bench demonstrated collective resources to compensate for their star's absence. Andre Drummond provided interior solidity with 14 points and 10 rebounds coming off the bench, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 19 points and Paul George added 16 in a complete performance.

The game had moments of tension in the third quarter. George extended the lead with a jump shot before being involved in a defensive action that resulted in an Edgecombe dunk over Jalen Suggs. Following the play, the rookie was penalized for taunting the opponent, prompting the referees to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating.

On the Orlando side, Desmond Bane sustained the attack with 34 points. The shooting guard led the Magic's comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to 87-86 after a three-pointer from Anthony Black. However, Philadelphia's final push proved to be too much.

Sixers vs. Celtics

The victory allows the 76ers to advance to the first round of the playoffs, where they will face the Boston Celtics, second-placed in the East, in a series starting on Sunday.

Orlando, on the other hand, still has one last chance to make it to the playoffs. The Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, with the eighth spot at stake and the reward of facing the Detroit Pistons, conference leaders.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Sixers se citan con los Celtics en playoffs tras ganar a unos lamentables Magic