Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (May 14, 2021): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic begin their final set of games as they face the Philadelphia 76ers with the top spot in the Eastern Conference on the line for Philadelphia.
Orlando Magic (21-49) at Philadelphia 76ers (47-23)
Time/TV: 8 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line: 76ers by 14
Tickets: $65-$279 on StubHub
2021 Season Series: 76ers 116, Magic 92 in Orlando on Dec. 31; Tonight in Philadelphia; May 16 in Philadelphia
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 99.2 | 104.5 | 113.6 | 49.0 | 25.1 | 12.8 | 23.5 |
| Philadelphia | 100.1 | 112.2 | 107.0 | 54.0 | 27.8 | 14.4 | 29.6 |
OMD Prediction
What is on the line in the final two games of the season for both the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers? For the 76ers, it is simple. One more win clinches the top seed in the Eastern Conference. That is a lot on the line, even in a year where homecourt has mattered less than ever before. Stadiums may open up more once the playoffs being so maybe that will matter. There is certainly a status to it.
The Magic? They are tied for the third-worst record in the league. It certainly feels like the team would benefit more from losing these last two games. And with the roster the Magic have traveling — all the Magic’s injured players including Terrence Ross and Chuma Okeke stayed home, they are playing with one hand tied behind their back. Orlando has really struggled to put together a full 48-minute effort and even when they play well against good teams — like Tuesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks — they still get beat handily.
93. Prediction. 95. 38. 112
3 Keys To Watch
Joel Embiid-V-P
The debate for the MVP award this year has come down to Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. There are merits to both and this is not the place to settle that debate. This is just to say the Embiid, who is listed a probable with a non-COVID illness, has had a stellar year. Embiid is averaging 28.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game with a 63.7-percent true shooting percentage.
It feels like forever ago since Embiid dominated the Magic for 21 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes of action. His impact that game was far beyond his stats and it was clear he and the 76ers were in for big things as they handed the Magic their first loss. This is clearly a very different team. And even though Wendell Carter is a strong defender, he is not someone who can stand up to a guy like Embiid if he is dialed in and playing well.
3-point shooting
The Orlando Magic are not a good 3-point shooting team. They are last in every shooting category since the trade deadline. No one is sitting here expecting the Magic to drain a bunch of 3-pointers. But the team also understands that in order for them to win, they need to hit 3-pointers at a crazy rate. If there is any significant indicator for the Magic to compete and have a chance to win, it is their 3-point shooting.
The Magic are making 9.0 3-pointers per game since the trade deadline (the worst in the league) and 31.5-percent of their 3-point attempts (also the worst in the league). In their six wins, though, the Magic made 8.8 3-pointers per game with a 36.3-percent hit rate.
Granted 3-point shooting is not necessary to their winning. Orlando is only 2-8 since the trade deadline when they make more than 10 3-pointers. It just is not a huge part of the team’s game. But the threat of a 3-point shot is still really important for the team moving forward.
Pace Increase
Throughout the last half of the season, we have been searching for clues for how the Orlando Magic might play in this rebuild world. We have watched the team’s free throw rate rise. We have watched the team experiment with some different defensive sets. All the potential there.
How about this one. At long last, the team’s overall pace is increasing. The Magic have a pace of 99.2 possessions per 48 minutes, 17th in the league. Since the trade deadline, Orlando is playing at a pace of 99.4 possessions per 48 minutes, 15th in the league. This is a slightly big bump up for the team. They are averaging 10.3 fast-break points per game this year and 11.5 points per game since the trade deadline.
Next. Free agents to watch in the playoffs. dark
These are at least modest signs the team is seeking ways to get out in transition a bit more. Playing better defense would certainly help increase these numbers more. This was, of course, a goal for the entire season. Orlando wanted to be out in transition more and commit to running. Maybe the team is finally inching closer to there.