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The Orlando Magic are miraculously still in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference, but they have some work to do in the final few weeks of the regular season. The Philadelphia 76ers look locked into the third seed in the East, but still have a chance to move up in the standings. The two teams will meet for a very important game in Orlando on Monday night.
Orlando comes into this game on a four game winning streak, and continue to surprise the rest of the league. The Magic are just 35-38 on the season, but remain just one game back of the final playoff spot in the East. Philadelphia saw their six game win streak snapped in their previous game, but the Sixers have been rolling of late.
The Sixers bring a 47-26 record into this matchup. Philadelphia is a -4.5 point favourite over the Magic on Monday night.
Sixers Offense Rolling of Late
The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the most talented rosters in the entire league, and that talent has been on display in recent games. The Sixers are averaging 115.3 points per game this season, and they are starting to play together much better of late. Philadelphia has five different players averaging at least 17 points per game, and they are almost impossible to stop when they get rolling.
Center Joel Embiid has been the star for the Sixers this season, but he has obviously had plenty of help. Embiid leads the team with 27.5 points and 13.8 rebounds per game, and looks ready to have a monster playoffs in the East. The addition of Tobias Harris has also been a huge boost to the Sixers. Harris has poured in 19.2 points per game since the trade, and is capable of knocking down big shots when needed.
Magic Defense Leading the Charge
The Orlando Magic don’t have as many offensive weapons, but they are a much better defensive team than Philadelphia. The Magic are holding opponents to just 106.3 points per game this season, which is the fifth best mark in the league. Orlando has played Philadelphia tough in recent games, and their defense should be able to slow down one of the best offenses in the NBA.
Orlando has had plenty of different players step up of late, but center Nikola Vucevic has been the main star on offense all season long. Vucevic leads the team with 20.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per game this season, and will go head to head with Joel Embiid in this one. The Magic are shooting close to 36 percent from deep this season, and they have some guys who can space the floor.
Orlando Suffers Brutal Home Loss
The Orlando Magic can’t afford any more losses this season, especially when they are playing at home. The Magic have been able to find plenty of offense of late, but they still just lack weapons. Philadelphia is trying to get ready for the playoffs, and their offense will prove to be too much in this game.
Bet the Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
