The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Orlando Magic in their third preseason game of 2025 on Friday night. This event marked their first home exhibition after previously losing two games to the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi. The Sixers welcomed the Magic at their home arena, showcasing a newly formed roster.
Key Players and Game Highlights
In this matchup, the Magic were missing their starting point guard, Jalen Suggs. However, their star trio—Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane—was present, along with Wendell Carter Jr. The Sixers, on the other hand, were short-handed without key players such as Joel Embiid and Paul George. They started with:
- Tyrese Maxey
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Justin Edwards
- Dominick Barlow
- Adem Bona
The game began with a high-scoring atmosphere, featuring a combined total of 66 points in the first quarter. Despite the Sixers’ efforts, they eventually fell short, losing the game 128-98.
Tyrese Maxey’s Impressive Performance
Tyrese Maxey was a standout performer, scoring 17 points in the first quarter alone. His offensive strategy—characterized as “free and easy”—was evident. Maxey excelled with three shots from beyond the arc and demonstrated his speed and agility on the court.
Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Maxey’s adaptability and emphasized the importance of using him as an off-ball player. This strategy allows Maxey to utilize his shooting accuracy and quickness to create scoring opportunities without excessive ball handling.
Defensive and Rebounding Strategy
The Sixers prioritized their offensive rebounding, capitalizing on their physical presence. Dominick Barlow led the charge, securing multiple offensive rebounds within the first minutes of the game. Barlow’s athleticism and tenacity were critical in generating additional scoring chances for the team.
Nurse praised Barlow’s performance and discussed the need for players to assert physical energy in their playing styles. This approach aligns with the Sixers’ intention to display strength on the court during the preseason.
Other Noteworthy Players
In addition to Maxey and Barlow, the game showcased contributions from other players, including:
- Justin Edwards, who despite earlier shooting struggles, displayed strong passing skills, recording three assists in the opening quarter.
- Hunter Sallis, an undrafted rookie on a two-way contract, made an early impact with a significant and-one play.
Both Edwards and Sallis have shown promising signs, though they face challenges in earning regular playing time as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The Philadelphia 76ers will conclude their four-game preseason schedule next Friday night, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves. As they prepare, the focus will be on refining their strategies and solidifying team chemistry ahead of the regular season.
