Sunday marks a rematch for the 76ers (10-9) and Orlando Magic (5-14), facing off for the latter end of a two-game set.
The Sixers took game one - a 107-99, severely shorthanded, win on Friday.
Fueled by Shake Milton and Tobias Harris’ 24 and 23-point performances, respectively, the Sixers saw contributions across the roster.
“He’s been great,” Harris said of Milton postgame. “He’s out there finding his flow, running the team. He’s always been a very good scorer on the floor, but over these last [few] games, he’s really showing his whole arsenal on the offensive end. He’s been phenomenal for us.”
“I completely understand why they call him the microwave,” Georges Niang said of Milton. “When he gets hot, he gets hot.”
The Sixers were without Joel Embiid (left mid-foot sprain), James Harden (right foot tendon strain), Tyrese Maxey (left foot fracture), Matisse Thybulle (left ankle tenosynovitis), and Jaden Springer (right quad strain) Friday.
For the Magic, Franz Wagner led the way with 24 points of his own, plus four rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Friday’s matchup saw Orlando rookie standout Paolo Banchero’s return to the floor, after being sidelined since Nov. 7 (ankle). Banchero tallied 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists in his return.
P.J. Tucker and Harris shared duties defending the 2022 No. 1 overall pick.
“He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s a specimen,” Doc Rivers said of Banchero. “He’s used to overpowering people. That’s why P.J. was so good. You don’t overpower P.J., that’s just not going to happen. And so I thought that was great. And then Tobias did more of that in the second half.”
Sunday’s matchup tips at 6:00 p.m. ET
Friday’s Key Contributors:
76ers vs. Orlando Magic: Nov. 25, 2022
1 / 6ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Shake Milton #18 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Tobias Harris #12 look on during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 25, 2022 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Opponent Outlook:
The Magic will also enter Sunday’s matchup shorthanded.
Cole Anthony (right internal oblique tear) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery) are out Sunday. Wendell Carter Jr. (right plantar fascia strain), Markelle Fultz (left big toe fracture), Kevon Harris (illness), Chuma Okeke (left knee soreness), and Jalen Suggs (right ankle soreness) are questionable, while Terrence Ross (illness) is probable.
@Sixers Social:
Quote to Note:
Harris, discussing Niang:
“Georges is a one-man culture-changer. He comes in, he has that positive attitude, a great feel for the game of basketball, & how to play the right way. He’s been amazing for the organization.”