The NBA schedule makers probably didn't expect the Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers matchup on January 9, 2026, to look like a flashback to 1994. Honestly, if you watched that game, you might have checked your Wi-Fi or wondered if the rim was crooked. Both teams combined for a staggering 8-of-57 from beyond the arc. That is basically a 14% clip. In the modern NBA, that’s not just bad; it’s almost impressive in its futility.
Philadelphia walked away with a 103-91 win at the Kia Center, but the box score tells a story of survival rather than dominance. Tyrese Maxey, who has blossomed into a legitimate superstar—currently sitting third in the league in scoring at over 30 points a night—had to grind for every bucket. He finished with 29 points, but his first half was a mess. 3-for-12 shooting? That’s not the Maxey we’re used to seeing in 2026. But he found his rhythm when it mattered, hitting a dagger three with under four minutes left to push the lead to 16.
The Embiid Factor and the New Look Magic
Joel Embiid is still the sun that the Sixers' solar system orbits, even if he’s being managed like a vintage Ferrari. He sat out the October 27 matchup against Orlando earlier this season to manage that surgically repaired left knee, but he was front and center for the January win. He dropped 22 points and snatched nine boards. He didn't look like he was moving at 100%, but his presence alone forces the Magic into uncomfortable rotations.
The Magic are a different beast these days. They aren't the "happy to be here" young squad anymore. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the charge, they’ve become one of the most physically imposing teams in the Eastern Conference. Banchero had a weird night in the January loss—14 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. He was doing everything but scoring.
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- Orlando's Defensive Identity: They surrender very few points in the paint (ranking top 10).
- The Bane Addition: Trading for Desmond Bane from Memphis in the 2025 offseason changed their floor spacing, even if the shots weren't falling against Philly.
- Anthony Black's Rise: The kid is starting to look like the real deal. He put up 21 points in that January game while the stars struggled.
Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers: A Clash of Styles
When you look at the Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers rivalry lately, it’s a battle of "New School Size" vs. "Star Power Efficiency." Orlando is essentially starting a lineup of giants. Franz Wagner and Banchero are both 6'10", and when you throw Wendell Carter Jr. or Goga Bitadze into the mix, there is zero room in the paint.
Philly, on the other hand, is leaning heavily on the trio of Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George. PG-13 is 35 now, but he’s still smooth. He had 18 points in their latest meeting, doing most of his damage in the second half. It’s a classic vet-heavy contender versus a rising powerhouse that is still learning how to close out games.
The 2025-26 season standings show just how close these two are. As of mid-January, Philly sits at 21-16, while Orlando is right on their heels at 22-18 (having played a few more games due to their historic trip to Berlin). Orlando actually made history this season by playing the Memphis Grizzlies in Germany—a "super-special" moment for the Wagner brothers in their hometown. Franz came back from a high ankle sprain just in time for that one, showing he’s the heart of that team.
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What the History Books Say
If you’re a betting person, the recent head-to-head history is a rollercoaster. Philadelphia has won 6 of the last 10 meetings, but Orlando has some blowout wins in their pocket. Remember November 2025? The Magic went into Philly and hung 144 points on them. 144! That was a statement game.
Then you have games like the most recent one where neither team could throw a pea in the ocean. It’s inconsistent. It’s frustrating. It’s exactly why this matchup is so fun to track. You never know if you're getting a 140-point shootout or a 90s-style defensive slugfest.
Key Stats to Watch
| Player | Team | Role in the Rivalry |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Maxey | PHI | The "Magic Killer." Usually explodes for 30+ against their drop coverage. |
| Franz Wagner | ORL | The connector. When he's out (like his 16-game ankle injury), the Magic offense stalls. |
| VJ Edgecombe | PHI | The rookie wildcard. He’s been starting next to Maxey and adding elite athleticism. |
| Jalen Suggs | ORL | The defensive pest. He missed the January game with a knee contusion, and Maxey took advantage. |
Honestly, the biggest miss for Orlando in their recent loss was the absence of Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva. Suggs is the guy who usually makes Maxey’s life miserable. Without him, Maxey eventually found his spots.
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What This Means for the Playoffs
We are likely looking at a 4-vs-5 or 3-vs-6 playoff matchup between these two. The Magic currently lead the Southeast Division, while the Sixers are fighting for air in a brutal Atlantic Division featuring the Knicks and Celtics.
If you're watching the Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers going forward, keep an eye on the health of the big men. Carter Jr. has been a beast on the boards for Orlando (he had a 20-point, 13-rebound game against Philly in the preseason), but Embiid is the ultimate equalizer. If Embiid is healthy in April, Philly is the favorite. If he’s "managing" that knee, Banchero and Wagner will simply overwhelm them with size.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the Injury Report: If Jalen Suggs is out, the Over on Tyrese Maxey’s points is usually a safe bet.
- Home Court Matters: Orlando plays significantly better defense at the Kia Center, often holding opponents under their season average.
- The "Berlin Bounce": Since returning from their Germany trip, the Magic have shown some fatigue. Check their schedule for "3-in-4 nights" stretches before betting on their spread.
- The 3-Point Regression: That 14% shooting night was a fluke. Both teams are top-15 in 3-point percentage usually, so expect a bounce-back in their next meeting.
The next time these two meet, don't expect another 8-for-57 shooting performance. But do expect a lot of trash talk, some heavy contact in the paint, and a glimpse at the future of the Eastern Conference. It's not just a game; it's a litmus test for whether Orlando's rebuild is finally ready to take down the established elite.
Check the upcoming schedule for the final regular-season meeting to see if Orlando can even the season series or if Philly's veteran experience continues to be the Magic's kryptonite.