NBA Basketball
2026-04-15 - Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Basketball Play In Tournament
Wednesday 15th April 2026 - Scheduled 7:30pm EST
12:30am (British Time)
Preview
Even if they had won the last game of the regular season, the Orlando Magic (45-37) would have had to settle for a spot in the Play In Tournament after the Toronto Raptors blew out the Brooklyn Nets. However, the loss to the second string Boston Celtics still proved to be a blow for Orlando who slipped into the Number 8 spot in the Eastern Conference.
That is thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) beating the Milwaukee Bucks and having the tie-breaker over the Magic and also allows Philadelphia to host the first Play In Tournament game.
Both teams have two chances to earn a place in the First Round of the Playoffs with the winner of this one going in as the Number 7 Seed and having a Series with the Boston Celtics beginning this weekend. The losing team will be hosting an elimination game on Friday with the winner of that one being the Number 8 Seed in the Eastern Conference and facing the Detroit Pistons in the First Round.
Neither team will want to compete in a pressurised spot on Friday and so there is plenty on the line, even with a life jacket for the losing team.
The 76ers were hoping for a big season, but injuries have been a real impact on the squad as Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid have had to sit out stretches. Joel Embiid is set to miss the entirety of the Play In Tournament, which puts a bit more pressure on the 76ers, but there is still a hope that Philadelphia can have a positive impact in the post-season.
It is the 76ers who have won two of the three regular season games between these teams, although the last of those was played back in January, while they also ended the season with consecutive wins.
That will give the home team confidence, while the Orlando Magic saw a strong winning run come to a very disappointing defeat at the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Key players were on the court during that game, but Orlando have to like the way they do match up with the 76ers and especially with the health of the roster in a much better place than it was a couple of months ago.
Orlando are not the most efficient three point shooting team, but they have had enough success to keep the 76ers focused on having to get out to those players lining up outside the arc. Without Joel Embiid, the Magic have to believe they can punish the 76ers inside the paint, while Offensive Rebounding could be another factor in favour of the road team.
Hosting would have made the Magic more comfortable, but they will note that being a Number 8 Seed has been more positive in this opening Play In Tournament game since the introduction of this Round.
They may be without the biggest name on the roster, but the 76ers will still note the quality Offensive players that remain who can give them a big boost. However, the end to the regular season was a touch inconsistent on this side of the court and the Orlando Magic were playing pretty well Defensively prior to the defeat to the Boston Celtics.
The Magic have tended to dare teams to beat them from the three point range, but that may suit them in this game.
Philadelphia ended the season struggling for consistency when shooting beyond the arc and the size of the Orlando Magic may just give them the edge with Joel Embiid in street clothes.
Two games hosted by the 76ers were split with a win each before Christmas and Orlando may just have enough here as the underdog.
Prediction
Number 7 Seeds have been struggling against the spread in this opening Play In Tournament spot and that may be the case in the Eastern Conference where the Orlando Magic could win this one outright as the narrow underdog.
Take the points on offer with the Number 8 Seed.
The Pick :
Philadelphia 76ers 105-108 Orlando Magic
