Magic Returns Home, But Falls to 76ers Behind Joel Embiid MVP Night
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic remains in the loss column after a 124-109 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night at the Kia Center.
The Magic came into the game with the tall task of defending reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and he came out of the gates strong with 15 first-quarter points, but Orlando was able to keep it close behind a balanced attack.
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In the second quarter, the Sixers began to get in their groove a little more, and they took an eight-point lead into the locker rooms.
Philadelphia extended its lead to as much as 22 points with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the way. Maxey also had a strong night with 32 points of his own. Orlando never saw a lead in the second half.
Wendell Carter Jr. had his best game of the season for the Magic, dropping 25 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
It's clear that the Magic misses Franz Wagner and Gary Harris, but Embiid is going to make it difficult for any team to win.
The Magic is back in action on Sunday night against the Miami Heat. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
