Talk about a disappointing loss to the Timberwolves Saturday night. In my preview article, I stressed how this wasn’t going to be an easy game for the Sixers, and look what happened! They sent the game into double OT but ultimately came up short, losing 121-120 to the T-Wolves. Oh well, because in basketball, you need to have a short-term memory. Up next, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic tonight at 7 p.m.

Joel Embiid returned to the floor for the first time since November 6th. In Embiid’s return, the big man dropped 42 points and tallied 14 rebounds. I would say that’s a pretty solid stat line for someone who was out for weeks with COVID-19.

Tobias Harris also made his way back into the lineup after missing the previous 2 games with a hip injury. Tobi finished with 17 points and shot 6-16 from the field. He is one of the most confusing players on this 76ers basketball team due to his lack of consistency. Harris is on a 5 year, $180 million contract. At that price, he should be scoring AT LEAST 30 points every game.

Sorry I’m rambling, let’s get into this 76ers Magic game.

The Magic are sitting at dead last in the Eastern Conference with a sad, sad record of 4-17. The team is also on a 6 game losing streak (ouch). They are not good. The Magic are averaging 98.8 points per game which ranks 28th in the league, and giving up an average of 110.9 points per game, 25th in the league. We won’t be seeing former 76ers’ first overall pick Markelle Fultz tonight since he is still rehabbing his torn ACL from last season, but is making good progress according to Magic President Jeff Weltman.

Also shoutout Markelle Fultz for setting the record straight on 76ers fans >>

The team’s leading scorer is former Tar Heel Cole Anthony, who averages 19.6 points per game on 41.6% shooting. Behind Anthony is former Blue Devil (I love a good UNC Duke rivalry) Wendell Carter Jr., averaging 13.3 points on 51% shooting.

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Yes, the spread and moneyline are HEAVILY in the 76ers favor and they should win this game against a pretty bad Magic team. However, I said it in my last article and I’m going to say it again, don’t think this will be an easy win for the Sixers.

Do I think the 76ers are going to win? Absolutely. I mean come on, you saw how dominant Joel Embiid was last game and I fully expect Tyrese Maxey to get back on track tonight as well. I don’t love a 15.5 point spread and obviously there’s no value in the moneyline. The total does seem pretty low so if you’re going to bet on this, that’s where I would put my money.

Parx Sportsbook Prediction: O 209 (-109)

The 76ers are on a 2 game losing streak and this game tonight is the perfect opportunity for them to get back on track, as they sit in 11th place in the conference. They are 10-10 on the season and need this win in order to avoid falling under .500.

I’m going to need a huge game from this entire team, as they need this win in order to avoid sending me into a full blown spiral. Go Sixers!

Mandatory Credit: David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images