After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies last night, the Sixers are leaving the snow-covered landscapes of Philadelphia to fly to Orlando and take on the Orlando Magic. The Sixers notched their 40th win of the season last night, a feat that produced some top-level trolling by Joel Embiid, while the Magic are going into tonight with a record of 21-50.
COLIN COWARD.... Coach deserves a lot of credit #40wins #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/HDFUdh3mKE
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 22, 2018
In their last meeting, the Sixers defeated the Magic 116-105, in a game that was part Sixers game-part Joel Embiid highlight reel. Can anyone forget the finger wag?
"No, no, no." - @JoelEmbiid. pic.twitter.com/qNKF8sHuBj
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 24, 2018
The Magic are currently plagued by injuries. Rookie Jonathan Isaac is dealing with a strained left foot and is currently unlikely to play. The last time these two teams met, Isaac was rehabbing an ankle injury in the G-League. Evan Fournier, the Magic’s second-leading scorer, is sidelined with a knee injury. Even Jonathon Simmons, who started in the two teams’ last matchup, is doubtful tonight with a wrist injury.
Mario Hezonja has cooled off significantly since last playing the Sixers. Going into that February 24th game, Hezonja averaged almost 17 points in the previous 10 games. In the 10 games leading into tonight’s matchup, he has averaged less than nine. With so many injuries on the team, look for Hezonja to have more minutes than he has recently.
The Magic will look to Aaron Gordon, who recently returned to the lineup after suffering a concussion, and Nikola Vucevic to carry the team tonight. Gordon is averaging 18.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game and Vucevic is averaging 17.1 points and 9 rebounds. In comparison, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are averaging 16.1 and 23.5 points per game, with 7.8 and 11.2 rebounds, respectively.
Game Info:
Game Time: 7:00 pm
TV: NBCSports Philadelphia+
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic