ORLANDO, Fla. — The Philadelphia 76ers, despite missing All-Star center Joel Embiid, showcased a formidable defensive performance to secure a 112-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 23 points, while Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton each contributed 22 points in a collective effort that compensated for Embiid’s absence.
Paul Reed stepped up in Embiid’s place, contributing 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. The Sixers have now won nine of their last 11 games, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability without the league’s leading scorer, who sat out with a sprained right ankle.
Coach Nick Nurse emphasized the importance of finding a different style of play in Embiid’s absence, focusing on giving the team a chance to win. This approach was evident in the Sixers’ defensive strategy, which disrupted the Magic’s offense throughout the game.
Franz Wagner was the top scorer for the Magic with 24 points, followed by Jalen Suggs with 20 points. Paolo Banchero added 19 points and nine rebounds, but Orlando struggled with their shooting, especially from the 3-point line, where they were just 9 for 33. The Magic’s total score of 92 points was a season low, reflecting the effectiveness of the Sixers’ defense.
Banchero had a tough night, going 6 for 21 from the field, as the Sixers’ defense successfully contained him. Despite getting some open looks, the Magic failed to capitalize on their 3-point attempts. Suggs, however, remained confident in their shot selection, expressing willingness to take similar shots in future games.
The Sixers pulled away in the third quarter with Harris scoring key points during a 9-0 run, establishing multiple 11-point leads. Although the Magic briefly narrowed the gap to three points in the fourth quarter, the Sixers responded decisively with Harris and Melton hitting crucial 3-pointers, sealing the victory.
Maxey, rebounding from a previous 4-for-20 shooting performance, stayed aggressive and let the game come to him, leading to a more efficient scoring night.
The 76ers will look to continue their strong form as they visit Houston on Friday, while the Magic will aim to bounce back against New York on the same day.
