Sixers

PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers carried a seven-game winning streak into a Monday game against the visiting Orlando Magic, and that's how it will be recorded in ...

“To me, in the second half, we played the way we need to play to be a good basketball team. It’s one thing to have the determination to rally, it’s another to have Joel Embiid on the payroll. The trick to that is to have the assembled talent successfully respond to in-game strife. We had 10 deflections in the first half. We had 20 deflections in the second half. And it’s definitely the way they defend when it most matters.

The Philadelphia 76ers are playing some excellent basketball as of late as they have won 20 of their last 24 games in order to move into the No.

It’s important for the Sixers to be able to build these good habits and get it done in the playoffs. “The pressure for us to do well is always there because everyone believed that—everything that happened was kind of like manifested by the fans like everyone believed that this was gonna happen and it did. Therefore, there need to be good habits built for the Sixers.

The Sixers squandered a 21-point lead Monday night and had their winning streak snapped by the Magic, who picked up a 119-109 comeback victory at Wells ...

Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero (5) dunks the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, Jan.

Scoring a shocking 15 points in the fourth, Wagner completely wedge himself under the skin of the Sixers, in particular Joel Embiid, causing Philadelphia to sloppily rush their way to an eventual loss. From there, the Sixers began to unravel, losing the second quarter by three points before falling apart in the third quarter. That lead would not last long, however, as the game’s final quarter would be inexplicably dominated by

See where all 30 teams rank as we enter Week 16 of the 2022-23 season.

[Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/pacers?pd=false&cal=16): vs. [their last eight](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612757/boxscores-advanced?Location=Road) on the road. [16 total points](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612761/lineups-traditional?PerMode=Totals) ( [1.7 per 100 possessions](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612761/lineups-advanced)) in its 361 minutes together. [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/suns?pd=false&cal=16): vs. [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/mavericks?pd=false&cal=16): vs. [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/jazz?pd=false&cal=16): vs. [all five](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612746/boxscores-advanced), and they scored a ridiculous [135.5 points per 100 possessions](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612746/advanced?Split=general&DateFrom=01%2F20%2F2023&DateTo=01%2F28%2F2023) over the winning streak. [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/thunder?pd=false&cal=16): vs. [126-95](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612758/boxscores-traditional?Period=3)) in the third quarter over that stretch. [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/cavaliers?pd=false&cal=16): vs. minus-0.2](https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612743/advanced?Split=ingame)). [Week 16](https://www.nba.com/schedule/nets?pd=false&cal=16): vs.

Coming off a dramatic seventh straight win, the Sixers built a 21-point lead only to suffer one of their worst losses of the season against the Magic.

Four turnovers at the beginning of the quarter made it too easy for the Magic to get into a run. They were picking up the Sixers’ ball handlers full court for much of the game, but in the second half they really started getting aggressive with double teams, and those double teams really affected the Sixers offense. Banchero had just four points with four minutes left in the first half, but he suddenly had 27 points going into the fourth. - Things started to look less lopsided as the Magic saw some shots start to fall. - A solid offensive start for the Sixers as they put up 30 points without having to exert themselves. Markelle Fultz had 12 points and 10 assists in his first game back at the Wells Fargo Center, as the Magic won 119-109.

Which teams should shake up their rosters? Which ones should stand pat? Zach Harper analyzes it all.

[Bojan Bogdanović](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/bojan-bogdanovic-TtD4HPxVGnoaeLuy/), [Alec Burks](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/alec-burks-fHiSXJkf0XG5iBPL/) and [Nerlens Noel](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/nerlens-noel-OGeIm2q9PWGFAyfq/). [Kevin Porter Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-porter-jr-h3qdRNkUpKXiExBp/) and [Eric Gordon](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/eric-gordon-Lj7fp7oMTPR6Thay/). [Gordon Hayward](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/gordon-hayward-9eR4zdcr4HR5ACpn/), [Kelly Oubre Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kelly-oubre-jr-kEpNsdsi6fZMss00/), [Mason Plumlee](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/mason-plumlee-U2hHj6dKnqF8Gq2J/) and [P.J. McConnell](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tj-mcconnell-a6GbLnM5iSogMxAM/). [Justin Holiday](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/justin-holiday-BZXUoymHqF7haY2x/) and [Clint Capela](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/clint-capela-ZG4gOjeuHLppDkoO/). [Buddy Hield](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/buddy-hield-AD3NeTjxgBd5qvz0/) and [T.J. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kristaps-porziis-iXclBS6oo11am7Ru/) for [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/spencer-dinwiddie-huzVN9MOnuJR3hwP/) and [Dāvis Bertāns](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/dvis-bertns-0isdLTfkZ7z8J9Hb/). [Zion Williamson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/zion-williamson-l6xjgWmi8X4OMdjm/). [Kyle Kuzma](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kyle-kuzma-7x2ASMz0sv4qdd7u/) is playing extremely well. [Bradley Beal](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/bradley-beal-mb7gZfksSkvZCBxf/) is playing really smart basketball. [Matisse Thybulle](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/matisse-thybulle-FecSqxC1FV1DRBU7/). [Kevin Love](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-love-P7SloIegCGEE6wpm/)’s expiring deal).

As the Sixers look to continue their win streak, NBA.com ranks them top of the league.

The Sixers were ranked third last week, behind the second-place [Denver Nuggets](https://www.denverstiffs.com) and first-place [Boston Celtics](https://www.celticsblog.com). It’s been noted in this space that Embiid has been shooting more in the paint this season, but four of [his five fourth-quarter buckets]came from outside the paint, where he was [7-for-13]. The Sixers scored more than 130 points per 100 possessions in each of Joel Embiid didn’t play in the Sacramento win and was just 6-for-18 from the field against the Nets, but the real showcase was Saturday afternoon, and he came through with the signature performance of his season: 47 points (including a personal, 7-0, fourth-quarter run to give the Sixers the lead for good) against Jokic and the Nuggets. The Sixers have won 20 of their last 24 games and currently sit within a game in the loss column behind the first-in-the-East Celtics. [Orlando Magic](https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com) before hitting the road to take on the [San Antonio Spurs](https://www.poundingtherock.com) and the [New York Knicks](https://www.postingandtoasting.com).

Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero makes an uncontested dunk against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in ...

Wagner converted another three-point play 19 seconds later when he was fouled by Embiid on a driving layup. Orlando went ahead for the first time on a 3-pointer by Gary Harris in the third quarter. The Magic took the lead for good with 7:03 to play when Mo Wagner made a reverse layup, was fouled and converted the free throw.

Paolo Banchero had 29 points and nine rebounds, Moritz Wagner added 22 points and the Orlando Magic rallied from a 21-point deficit for a 119-109 victory ...

Rudy Gobert registered his 20th double-double of the season with 19 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Keldon Johnson scored a game-high 26 points for the Spurs, who took their sixth loss in a row. Fred VanVleet put up 24 points and nine assists for the Raptors, and Gary Trent Jr. Fox produced his 13th 30-point game of the season as the Kings ended a two-game losing streak. Josh Giddey added 21 points for Oklahoma City, which has alternated wins and losses over the past six games. Warren (left shin) and added 21 for the Nets. Jerami Grant scored 22 points and Anfernee Simons added 21 points and seven assists as the Trail Blazers closed out a 3-3 homestand. The Suns pulled ahead for good with 3:02 remaining, however, when Bridges scored on back-to-back buckets off of assists from Ayton. The Lakers were without Anthony Davis (right foot) and LeBron James (sore left ankle) along with Austin Reeves (left hamstring strain). Grant made two free throws with 23.9 seconds remaining and Josh Hart split two free throws with 10.9 seconds left to make it a five-point margin. Joel Embiid finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Sixers, who had their seven-game winning streak snapped. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 23 points and seven assists, while John Collins scored 16 points.

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers explain what went wrong as they blew a 21-point lead in a loss to the Orlando Magic.

Paolo Banchero led a second-half fightback as the Orlando Magic overturned a 21-point deficit to upset the Philadelphia 76ers 119-109 on Monday.

"I thought from near the end of the first quarter, they played harder, faster, tougher, more physical," Rivers said. "He fired us up," Banchero said. "The way that first half started -- we were hanging our heads a little bit.

The Sixers want to be contenders for the NBA title, but the formula for their defeat is one certain teams have been able to find far too easily.

That’s actually been a rarity this season, as the Sixers rank seventh in the league in second-chance points allowed (13 per game). “It’s really been the story of our season,” Embiid said. Yet losing the ball too many times has been a common theme in their losses — including the 19 giveaways Monday that Orlando conveyed into 20 points. Within the last week, the Sixers beat the Brooklyn Nets despite allowing them to shoot 64% from the floor. That was the final nail in one of the 76ers’ more disappointing losses this season, a rare blemish during a terrific seven-week run. It’s part of the reason Rivers reinserted active perimeter pest De’Anthony Melton into the starting lineup, as Harden and Tyrese Maxey are both below average on that end of the floor.

Nearly four years after he was traded to the Magic, former Sixer Markelle Fultz played a game in the Wells Fargo Center. Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, appeared in just 33 games with the Sixers over two seasons, complained of a rare ...

“Even if you have the best players in the NBA, you are going to lose at some point,” Embiid said. “Listen, as well as we’re playing, we want to be healthy in the playoffs,” Rivers said. Yet he continues to be listed as “questionable” almost to the point of the introduction of the starting lineups. “But his poise, his court demeanor, his ability to calm the game down as it goes on and get people in the right position is there. “No, we just have to monitor him,” Rivers said. A week ago, Rivers was so numb to the topic that he essentially promised to keep responding to the same question with the same non-answer.

Seven games. Seven wins. The headaches that came with that achievement — and there were plenty — will be easily camouflaged by the results. But that was 15 ...

“To me, in the second half, we played the way we need to play to be a good basketball team. It’s one thing to have the determination to rally, it’s another to have Joel Embiid on the payroll. But Daryl Morey’s eye for that kind of player — stemming in large part from Embiid yelling that the Sixers needed Tucker — has been a benefit, too. The trick to that is to have the assembled talent to successfully respond to in-game strife. We had 10 deflections in the first half. We had 20 deflections in the second half.

NBA Twitter reacts to Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic rallying to upset the Philadelphia 76ers on the road.

The 76ers are far from a finished product. Joel Embiid still has love for Markelle Fultz. And Matisse Thybulle needs to play more meaningful minutes.

He had a tough time on both ends of the floor. That’s because the Sixers are 54-24 with the 25-year-old in the starting lineup. Fourteen of his points came in the third quarter. “We just feel like that’s a good zone group, especially when Matisse is in the game. The power forward made 3 of 5 three-pointers and had a block and a steal in addition to 29 points and nine rebounds. But any time Matisse is on the floor, it’s a good zone group.” “The ball didn’t move,” Rivers said. “We just like that group that’s on the floor,” Rivers said. The Sixers lacked effort following the first quarter. Then in the second half, they did. They didn’t make shots in the beginning. The biggest thing the Sixers need to work on is sustaining their level of play through four quarters.

Doc Rivers felt a lack of "humility" contributed to the Sixers' loss Monday night to the Magic, a defeat that broke the team's seven-game winning streak.

The rest of the game, they were the aggressor and they got to the foul line. “They got to the free-throw line a lot and we didn’t. … And on the offensive end, when you’re playing against someone that flops a lot and with the referees and the way they went about this game, we weren’t getting anything. Tonight we just turned the ball over a lot.” Rivers kept Embiid in with five fouls and played zone defense, but the Sixers could not right the ship. I thought the first eight minutes, we were the aggressor and we got to the foul line. “Getting beat off the dribble is starting to come back up. “Obviously they also got a lot of calls,” Embiid said. “But it’s really been the story of our season. We played great to start the game. I thought we had great effort starting the game. They deserved to win the game.”

PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers were sitting pretty at home on Monday night. They were leading by 21 over a rebuilding Orlando Magic team and it looked ...

Once the Magic started making shots, they began gaining confidence and the Sixers couldn’t find a way to stop them. “They picked up their pace, they made shots, we couldn’t get into a rhythm on both ends of the ball. I thought we had great effort to start the game, and towards the end of the first quarter on, I thought they played harder, faster, tougher, more physical, and I thought they deserved to win the game.”

The Sixers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA but their last three games have a common theme: defensive struggles. Joel Embiid said...

So if we’re not allowing teams to get easy baskets — and that’s by taking care of the ball — I think we put ourselves in a better position. But we focused in that second half and we got the win. [hottest teams in the NBA](https://clutchpoints.com/nba-power-rankings-week-16-sixers-grizzlies-pelicans) but their last three games have a common theme: ugly defensive struggles.

For what feels like the four thousandth time, we have an NBA trade deadline rumor involving Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle. By Adam Hermann.

I don't see much upside for the Sixers in taking back a player in a straight-up swap, but perhaps they could finagle draft capital away from Sacramento in the service of future moves? The Kings being unexpectedly competitive this season is fun, and it sounds like they want to capitalize on (likely) being postseason bound. One source with knowledge of the Kings' thinking, meanwhile, insists that rival teams hoping for Richaun Holmes to become a buyout candidate if Sacramento can’t trade him (as mentioned here last week) are poised to be disappointed.

The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner as Feb. 9 continues to approach quickly. Now is the time for teams to make moves in order to position ...

The broadest summary of Philadelphia's deadline goals: the Sixers are looking for two-way players to add to their playoff rotation.

House is an interesting one in the sense that I think he's (in theory) the style of player they're hunting, but he has disappointed up to this point and is likely to be in deals for pure salary-matching reasons. "Cheaper and better" would be the ideal outcome for any team in a cap league, not just the Sixers. The Sacramento Kings are said to have an interest in Thybulle, and With Montrezl Harrell's defensive issues and Paul Reed not yet earning the trust of the coaching staff, sources say the Sixers would be open to bringing in another big even if they don't move one of Embiid's current backups. Each of those players brings something very different to the table, impactful defense in Thybulle's case and elite shooting in Niang's case, and each comes with problems that could knock them out of the rotation in the playoffs. There are a few specific spots in the rotation they're looking at for potential upgrades, or maybe the word "sidegrade" is more accurate for this year.

For what feels like the four thousandth time, we have an NBA trade deadline rumor involving Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle. By Adam Hermann.

The Philadelphia 76ers discuss their recent defensive struggles after they fell to the Orlando Magic at home.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 29: Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) brings the ball up court during a NBA game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the ...

It is possible Philadelphia could pursue more and find a way to include Chris Boucher as well (while sending back more salary), but the Raptors would likely have to be heavily focused on avoiding the tax themselves to consider that. will be opting out](https://www.blazersedge.com/2022/12/21/23521608/toronto-raptors-portland-trail-blazers-gary-trent-jr-player-option-hoops-hype-michael-scotto) of his contract when the offseason arrives. This trade is, of course, not rumored, it is not reported, but it remains interesting nonetheless due to the way it benefits both teams. Something that the organization will have to continuously ponder until they finally reach a decision. Anunoby, meanwhile, would be on the books at least for next season though he would also likely decline his Player Option that would come into play during the 2024 offseason. With the Sixers, Trent would be able to fill several roles. He can space the floor around James Harden and Joel Embiid waiting to receive the quick dish, or he can play the Redick/Curry role with Embiid up at the top of the key. A simple two-player for two-player swap sees the Sixers parting ways with their beloved young star and a critical leader and role player in Harris. That same team-friendly contract makes the addition of Tobias Harris much more palatable, as does Harris’ leadership capabilities and fit alongside the remaining Raptors roster. In Tyrese Maxey, the Raptors would have a significantly more proven commodity who is still on an affordable deal. [Dunc’d on Basketball](https://nateduncannba.com/podcast-archive/)” NBA podcast by Nate Duncan, Danny Leroux, and Dan Feldman held their annual Mock Trade Deadline with guest Kevin Pelton. After some negotiation, the full deal is as follows using

The Philadelphia 76ers have plans on winning a title in the 2022-23 season, and therefore that means president Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office ...

“I've always been a big fan,” Embiid said of his former teammate. “When we traded him, I was disappointed because I felt like we were giving up on him too early ...

[Markelle Fultz](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fultzma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr)had 12 points and 10 assists Monday night while playing his first game in Philadelphia since being traded to Orlando in 2019, notes [Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer](https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/philadelphia-sixers-orlando-magic-takeaways-joel-embiid-20230131.html). He hears from sources that [Matisse Thybulle](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thybuma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr)would likely be included in a “higher-end” trade, with the Kings among several teams that have [shown interest](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/steins-latest-thybulle-kings-hyland-raptors-kyrie.html)in the fourth-year guard. “When we traded him, I was disappointed because I felt like we were giving up on him too early.” [Georges Niang](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/niangge01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr)and Milton believe too much was made about an on-court argument they had during Saturday’s nationally televised game, per [Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer](https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-joel-embiid-georges-niang-shake-milton-ben-simmons-20230130.html). [Kyle Neubeck of The Philly Voice](https://www.phillyvoice.com/nba-trade-rumors-deadline-sixers-news-update-matisse-thybulle-shake-milton-furkan-korkmaz/). … After the game, we’re all laughing.” [Retweet](http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2023%2F01%2Fsixers-notes-trade-deadline-fultz-niang-milton.html&text=Sixers+Notes%3A+Trade+Deadline%2C+Fultz%2C+Niang%2C+Milton)2 [Share](#)0 [Send via email](#)0 He also says the decision could wait for the buyout market, although it could be tough to find a long-term solution who’s content to be a backup for Embiid. The Sixers had hoped Fultz would be part of their foundation after drafting him first overall in 2017, but a combination of injuries and shooting difficulties led to him playing just 33 combined games in his two seasons with the team. [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/korkmfu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr), [Danuel House](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/houseda01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr)and [Jaden Springer](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sprinja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr)are the best candidates to be moved in the type of deals the Sixers are considering, Neubeck adds. “I just told both of them to let it go, that we had a [expletive] game to win,” Embiid said. [contacted](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/trade-rumors-guards-centers-hornets-mavs-hyland-more.html) the Timberwolves about [Naz Reid](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reidna01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr), but Neubeck doesn’t expect him to be an option for Philadelphia. [Andre Drummond](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/drumman01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr), whom the Bulls are reportedly [open to trading](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/steins-latest-drummond-agbaji-magic-ross-wizards.html), as an example of the type of traditional center the team wants to acquire. [Montrezl Harrell](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harremo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr) and [Paul Reed](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reedpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-01-31_bbr) have been filling that role, but Harrell hasn’t been strong defensively and the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust Reed, according to Neubeck.