Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Dec. 27, 2019): How To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic look to defend the Amway Center floor and score a big win over a tough team in the Philadelphia 76ers as they look to get back on track.
Philadelphia 76ers (23-10) vs. Orlando Magic (13-17)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./NBATV, FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-76ERS ON FUBO TV
FOLLOW LIVE @OMAGICDAILY
The Action Network’s Line: Sixers by 2.5
Tickets: $38-$533 on StubHub
2020 Season Series: Magic 112, 76ers 97 in Orlando on Nov. 13; Tonight in Orlando; April 5 in Philadelphia
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 100.1 | 109.5 | 104.7 | 53.8 | 28.9 | 15.5 | 25.2 |
| Orlando | 98.4 | 104.9 | 106.9 | 49.1 | 26.9 | 13.2 | 24.7 |
OMD Prediction
In the last few years, the Orlando Magic have oddly been a tough matchup for the Philadelphia 76ers. The team’s length on the perimeter has given the 76ers problems as Aaron Gordon is able to match up with Ben Simmons pretty effectively. And Nikola Vucevic is able to attack Joel Embiid and pull him away from the basket. Embiid still feasts. And this game might well come down to whether Embiid is engaged and eager to play. He was Wednesday when he helped stifle the Milwaukee Bucks at home. The Magic might be able to defend the 3-point line well, but if the 76ers defense turns the screws on the Magic, it could be a long night in transition.
38. Prediction. 103. 93. 99
1) The Orlando Magic are eager to reverse a troubling trend against teams with winning records. They face a tough back-to-back this weekend against the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.
2) Markelle Fultz is still searching for his place, but he compares very favorably to rookie point guards, Jean Racine writes. Fitting since this is essentially Fultz’s rookie year.
3) This holiday season was different for Evan Fournier. It was his first as a father. Josh Robbins of The Athletic tells Fournier’s story.
4) The Orlando Magic were eager to get their defense back on track. Monday against the Chicago Bulls, they did just that. That defensive effort will be key for the Magic during this difficult back-to-back, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.
5) The trade deadline is gathering clouds on the horizon for the Orlando Magic. I answer that and other questions in my Christmas Day Mailbag.
6) The Philadelphia 76ers reminded everyone why they were considered a title contender in routing the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Christopher Kline of The Sixer Sense writes. And Joel Embiid reminded everyone why he is a MVP candidate — or at least has that potential, Michael Lee of The Athletic writes.
7) Orlando Magic fans know Tobias Harris can finish, the Philadelphia 76ers are still figuring out if he can be their closer, Tyler Monahan of Liberty Ballers writes.
8) The Orlando Magic’s struggles to look like the team that streaked through the NBA last season is a worrying sign, Luke Duffy of Hoops Habit writes. Their rotations are certainly an issue that will require continued tweaking, Omar Cabrera writes. And their offense will also need continued tweaking.
9) Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post continued his examination of the Orlando Magic’s rotation with a look at some curious and not-so-curious duos for the team.
10) Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer breaks down Joel Embiid’s defense in stifling Giannis Antetokounmpo in Wednesday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
11) The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are rivals of contrast and their battle could define the Eastern Conference, Derek Bodner of The Athletic writes.
12) David Ramil of The Step Back profiles a familiar face around the Amway Center — the always energetic arena host Cori Yarckin.