During the NBA’s Wednesday night slate, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Orlando Magic 105-94 behind 28 points and 11 rebounds from Joel Embiid and 26 points and 10 assists from James Harden.
On Thursday, the NBA will reveal who received reserves’ selections. Coaches vote for players in their conferences to make up the reserves. Embiid is likely to be selected. Due to a crowded East, Harden might be left out.
“If my name is called, great,” Harden said. “If not, bigger and better goals for the season.”
In their home-and-home series with Orlando, the Sixers split both games. As the Magic overcame a 21-point deficit in the first quarter, they prevailed 119-109 against the 76ers on Monday. The 76ers’ seven-game winning streak came to an end with that loss. The Sixers, however, steadied themselves late and improved to 20-8 at home despite uneven moments against a young, rising Magic team.
“I didn’t think we played great,” coach Doc Rivers said. “But we played good enough to win. We’ll take that.”
NBA SCORES & NEWS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
To help the Sixers remain close to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Embiid made every free throw he attempted and shot 9-of-17 from the floor. In addition to hitting six threes, Harden grabbed nine rebounds for Philadelphia.
“I’m not going to sit here and make a case,” Harden said. “The numbers show it.”
The Magic were led by Markelle Fultz, who scored 18 points. In early December, the Magic were 5-20 after a nine-game losing streak. Since then, they have gone 15-12, including a six-game winning streak.
“I really think it’s a belief system,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Having them know that on any given night anything can happen. If you play hard, you give yourself a chance.”
A 17-0 run by the Sixers in the first quarter led to a 56-53 halftime lead. Philly’s play without Embiid has again brought to light the need to find a reliable backup option for the big man. In limited action, Embiid helped the Sixers to a plus-12, while Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed combined to be a minus-9.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: James Harden, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Orlando Magic Updates
The 76ers will surely attempt to strengthen their bench before next week’s trade deadline. However, don’t expect a major deal like the one the Sixers made last season at the trade deadline when Harden was acquired. In terms of potential moves, Rivers declined to comment.
“This team, I think is better, better equipped for the playoffs,” Rivers said. “I think we have toughness. We’re not as young. I think we have less holes. Every team has holes.”
