Tyrese Maxey, 76ers Beat Magic to Clinch Playoff Spot Without Joel Embiid, Fans React to NBA Play-In

The Philadelphia 76ers are playoff-bound after missing the postseason last year.

The Sixers downed the Orlando Magic 109-97 on Wednesday to clinch the No. 7 seed, and they'll now get a first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Magic will face the Charlotte Hornets to try to secure the No. 8 seed and a date with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

The loss for the Magic came on a night in which star forward Paolo Banchero had 18 points on a lackluster 7-of-22 from the field, including six turnovers.

After securing a trip to the playoffs, Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers received high praise from fans on social media.

The 76ers knew they were in for a tough matchup when it was announced that Joel Embiid would miss the play-in game while recovering from an appendectomy surgery.

Maxey stepped up in a big way, leading Philadelphia with 31 points and six assists. Standout rookie VJ Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 boards, while Paul George posted 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.

It certainly helped the 76ers that Banchero was off his game. Desmond Bane did what he could to help Orlando win, but his 34 points weren't enough.

The Sixers faced their fair share of tough breaks this year, dealing with various injuries and other setbacks, but they ultimately managed to get back to the playoffs.

Things only get tougher from here, though. The Sixers will take on a Boston Celtics team led by MVP candidate Jaylen Brown, and the 2024 champs have only looked better since Jayson Tatum's return from injury.

The first-round series will begin on Sunday.