NBA Play-In Tournament Features Magic-76ers and Warriors-Clippers Matchups

Four NBA teams compete Wednesday in the play-in tournament to secure a spot in the playoffs. The schedule features an Eastern Conference clash between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, followed by a Western Conference matchup between the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors.

Orlando and Philadelphia fight for a seed

The Magic and 76ers entered Wednesday with identical 45-37 records. Philadelphia holds the advantage in the season series, though the two teams haven’t played since January. The winner of this game advances to face the second-seeded Boston Celtics.

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Orlando’s momentum stalled on the final day of the regular season. The team had won five straight games before losing to a Boston squad that rested its stars. Philadelphia enters the game having won two consecutive contests to close the season after a three-game losing streak.

The loser of the Magic-76ers game doesn’t eliminate immediately. They’ll play the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the No. 8 seed. The Hornets earned that opportunity by beating the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime on Tuesday.

For more on this story, see Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers Battle for Eastern Conference Play-In Win.

Why the Warriors-Clippers game is a rarity

Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard will face off in the final game of the night. They’re the first pair of former NBA Finals MVPs to meet in a play-in game. The Clippers won the season series 3-1 against the Warriors.

Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points with 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals this season. Curry’s availability was limited to 43 games due to a knee injury, his lowest total since the 2019-20 season. He averaged 26.6 points during his time on the court.

The winner of this contest advances to play the Phoenix Suns on Friday for the final playoff spot. The Suns’ path was complicated Tuesday when the Portland Trail Blazers beat them 114-110, sending Portland to face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs.

What happens if the Magic lose to Philadelphia?

The Magic would play the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the No. 8 seed.

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Who do the Clippers play if they win?

The Clippers would advance to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

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