The Philadelphia 76ers clinched the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed with a 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday. Star guard Tyrese Maxey led the way with 31 points and six assists, including a crucial nine-point burst in the fourth quarter to halt a Magic comeback fueled by Desmond Bane's 34 points.
With the win, the Sixers advance to a first-round playoff matchup against the rival Boston Celtics, the East's No. 2 seed. Veteran center Andre Drummond sealed the victory with a late three-pointer. The Magic, meanwhile, face elimination and will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the right to claim the No. 8 seed and face the Detroit Pistons.
Both teams were shorthanded, with the Sixers missing Joel Embiid and the Magic managing Franz Wagner's minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 19 points for Philadelphia, while Paolo Banchero helped keep Orlando close. The Sixers' defense, key plays from Paul George (16 points, 5 rebounds), and Maxey's late heroics proved decisive.