Returning home after two tight road losses, the Magic were looking to end their current skid with a win over the visiting Sixers. Buoyed by both Cole Anthony’s reinsertion into the starting lineup and their home court they started fast but faded late, ultimately dropping the game when their fourth-quarter finishing sputtered.
The Magic began the game hot from deep, nailing outside looks on their first two possessions. They then fought their way to three offensive rebounds on the next trip, ending the sequence with a pair of free throws to Wendell Carter Jr. When Franz Wagner threw down a transition slam just seconds later it was 10-2 Orlando’s way, an energetic effort allowing them to build an early advantage.