The Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic, both have gone through a lot of turmoil this season. Despite having a compact rosters on paper, these teams couldn’t unleash their full potential because of injuries. However, the Florida side stood against all odds and managed to stay afloat in the top-4 seeds for the majority of the season despite losing their two offensive leaders. Now, the times have changed, as the injured players slowly crawl back into the rotation.

 Joel Embiid, who has been on and off the mix, dealing with knee injury management, came out as the Sixers’ primary attack during the December flurry. After a mediocre start to the season, the Philly side caught fire in the last month of 2024, producing a 10-3 record. However, since the new year, it hasn’t been the same. 11 days into the new year, the team has a 2-4.

Coming off a disappointing loss against the Pelicans, they take on the thriving Magic tonight with Paolo Banchero finally back into the side. So, Embiid’s presence is crucial for the Sixers to turn things around. Unfortunately, the team listed him in Questionable status, citing a foot injury. With Tyrese Maxey and Paul George on the side, the team can look to weather the storm. Apart from Embiid, the team has also listed:

• Andre Drummond (Toe) – Out
• Kyle Lowry (Hip) – Out
• Jared McCain (Season ending surgery) – Out
• KJ Martin (Foot) – Out

On the other hand, the Magic also have a concerning injury report. In the last game against the Bucks, Banchero finally returned to the floor after missing 34 straight games, dealing with a torn oblique. Ironically, on the same game, veteran gaurd Kentavious Caldwell-Pope walked off the court mid-game with a left knee soreness. The team has listed him in Probable category and will most likely take part in the game. Other than that, here is the list of other injured players:

• Jeff Howard (Ankle) – Questionable
• Gary Harris (Hamstring) -Out
• Jalen Suggs (Back) -Out
• Mortiz Wagner (Torn ACL) – Out
• Franz Wagner (Oblique) -Out

Joel Embiid & Co. vs Magic: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

Given Joel Embiid’s confession that he will never take part in back-to-back games, the team should be prepared to win games without him. Moreover, with PG and Maxey by their side, Coach Nick Nurse by now should be making things work. Currently, the Sixers stand at the 11th seed with a 15-21 record. With more than half the season left, the Sixers should get hold of themselves.

The Philadelphia 76ers

The Orlando Magic

The Magic has managed to carry the team without Wagner and Banchero by their side, solely with their defensive ability. Now that Banchero is back, the team can work in full throttle to get the Ws coming in. Who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.