1-9! That is the win record the Orlando Magic currently possesses against the Philadelphia 76ers. When these two Eastern Conference franchises meet on the court, the odds seldom favor Paolo Banchero and co. However, the tide seemed to have changed during the early part of the season, as the 76er’s precarious position reduced their win record. At the same time, the Orlando Magic saw theirs reach an impressive level. When the two teams meet again at the Kia Center in Florida, the 76ers will be back, possessing their old advantage.

According to the Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report highlighted by ESPN, Joel Embiid and Paul George remain out of the Injury Report! This means that the 30-year-old Center, absent from the main lineup this season until the recent matchup against the New York Knicks, will be back for his 2 game of this tournament. Furthermore, Paul George’s trouble with his hyper-extended knee seems to be behind him, and he will continue his season run without interruption.

Despite this, the 76ers are not entirely out of the woods. After all, point guard Tyrese Maxey remains out because of his right hamstring strain. On top of that, they set Andre Drummond’s status at ‘Day-To-Day’ in light of his recently developed illness. This means that they won’t make his availability status public until a few hours before the commencement of the matchup.

To treat the meniscus injury he had developed during the previous season, Joel Embiid had undergone surgery. The recovery from it prevented the player from appearing during the first six games of the regular season. After he had an altercation with reporter Marcus Hayes, the Center was further suspended for the games against the Timberwolves, Lakers, and Hornets. Joel Embiid’s absence affected the 76ers deeply, as they currently hold only a 2-9 win record.

However, with their lead average scorer now back, the team’s odds may improve. After all, if history has shown anything, it is that the Orlando Magic is one team against whom the 76ers can find success.

While the 76ers regained their lead scorer, the Magic will continue to play without theirs. According to the franchise’s Injury Report, Paolo Banchero will remain ‘OUT’ as he recovers from his right torn oblique. The recently turned 22-year-old sustained the injury during the 4 quarter of the Magic-Bulls matchup that took place back in late October. After the officials handed out the diagnosis, they sidelined him. Shams Charania reported that a revaluation would next take place in 4-to-6 weeks.

To add to the franchise’s troubles, Wendell Carter Jr. is listed on the Magic’s Injury Report with the ‘OUT’ status. Recovering from a left foot plantar fasciitis, Carter Jr has missed 6 games in this tournament.

With these injury updates, both teams will continue playing with their adjusted starting lineups for the upcoming matchup.

What will the Starting Lineup and Depth Chart for the Magic-76ers clash look like?

Despite being unable to play the last couple of games without two of their key players, the Orlando Magic are not in as bad of a situation as their rivals. They currently hold a 7-6 win record. Tristan da Silva has filled Paolo Banchero’s power forward in his absence. At the same time, Moritz Wagner continues to be present to take on the responsibilities of Center in Wendall Carter Jr.’s absence.

Given this, we expect the starting lineup for the Orlando Magic to look something like this:

With Joel Embiid and Paul George back, the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting five situation has improved from the previous games. In light of this, we expect their starting lineup to look something like this:

The Orlando Magic or the Philadelphia 76ers? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments down below.