Sixers kick off tough stretch starting with Orlando Magic

The Sixers are coming off a much-needed bounce-back win at home against the Washington Wizards, shaking off a disappointing loss. There won’t be much time to savor it, though, as they begin one of the toughest stretches of their regular-season schedule with a road matchup against the Orlando Magic.

The Magic opened the year in miserable fashion, dropping four of their first five games, including a loss to Philadelphia. Since that slow start, Orlando has found its footing. Their offense now ranks 16th in the league, while their defense sits 11th overall, just outside the top 10.

Even with that improvement, the Magic have once again had to deal with a significant share of injuries. As things stand now, they’re without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs — two of the more important players on their roster. Franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero by most accounts has had a disappointing year, but he appears to finally be turning a corner. He’s fresh off a game-winner against the Brooklyn Nets, and will look to keep the positive momentum going against the Sixers who have struggled to guard him in the past.

The seemingly never-ending injuries have created a silver lining for the Magic. Anthony Black, their lottery pick from a few years ago, has been called upon and has delivered. Over the past 25 games, the third-year guard is averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game. Even while shorthanded, Orlando will not lack length, size or athleticism with Black and Banchero leading the way.

Shifting the focus north, the Sixers have plenty working in their favor. Health has finally swung their way, as their most recent game marked the first time they posted a clean injury report in nearly two years. Individually, the core group of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Joel Embiid appears to be hitting its stride. Embiid, in particular, has looked like his usual dominant self, playing five straight games and averaging nearly 30 points over that stretch. Philadelphia will need that presence again to counter Orlando’s size and defensive capabilities.

George has also started to find his rhythm, turning in arguably his best performance of the season against the Washington Wizards. With injuries and new additions constantly shifting the rotation, that game marked the first time the team’s top stars carried them to a comfortable win. That group will look to build on that momentum as they face a tougher test on the road against the Magic.

Heading into this game, the Magic have ruled out Suggs, Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner. Rookie Jase Richardson is questionable with a sore ankle. If Richardson cannot play, the Magic will likely turn to Tyus Jones, who had a solid game against the Sixers but has struggled for much of the season, along with more on ball responsibility for Black.

For the Sixers, Embiid is the key name to monitor as he remains questionable with left knee injury management. Kelly Oubre will be available, while G League assignees Johni Broome, MarJon Beauchamp and Justin Edwards are listed as doubtful.

The Sixers’ upcoming schedule is anything but a cakewalk. After this matchup, they head to Toronto for a back-to-back set against the Raptors, then return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers twice later in the week. Both opponents are firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A win in Orlando would go a long way toward keeping Philadelphia afloat and improving its margin for error during what may be the toughest stretch of its schedule. The question now is whether the Sixers can rediscover the success they had earlier this season against the Magic.

When: Friday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: KIA Center, Orlando, FL
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers