The keys as Orlando visits the 76ers after Paolo's buzzer beater
With Joel Embiid questionable along with Orlando still missing Jalen Suggs and the Wagner brothers, both team will be without key players in this matchup. The Magic are fresh off a highlight of the season: Paolo Banchero’s banked-in buzzer-beating game-winning pull-up three in overtime on the road in Brooklyn.
Paolo is the NBA’s #1 3PT creatorJan 6, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane takes a shot over Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images, and should continue to find success attacking the paint, as the 76ers only really have Paul George, Kelly Oubre, and Dominick Barlow to throw at Banchero on the perimeter. Banchero should be able to overpower and outfinesse his way to the rim with ease against these mismatches.AB is drawing two at times, defenses are paying attention. Black is shooting, driving, and jamming more often than ever, ranking 2nd in the NBA in dunks among guards. Desmond Bane continues to be a handoff downhill driving guard racking up drive and kick assists, hitting the roller in pick and roll, a complete scoring creator for Orlando.Jan 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid reacts to his three pointer against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesOrlando’s offense utilizes the drive and kick as well as any team, with an emphasis on the drive.Adem Bona has never seen a shot he doesn't think he can block, and often times he is right, so staying aware of where the shot blocker is can be key.Even with Embiid in and out of the lineup this year, the 76ers rank 14th in point differential, 13th in offense, and 13th in defense; they have found a groove as a team on both sides of the ball, with ratings that are essentially as good as historical contenders.The Magic's defense has an edge on the rebounding department, but is behind in the other two categories. Orlando's offense plays it safer and draws more fouls , but is slightly behind in offensive rebounds. The 76ers' defense forces tough shots, and with Orlando not being the most efficient halfcourt scoring team, finding other pathways to easy scoring opportunities will help win.Jan 6, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda blocks a shot attempt made by Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images, almost willing a late game comeback between Jase Rich’s touch scoring career-high 20 points and Noah Penda’s impressive deflective powers forcing 5 turnovers.How will there minutes look when the team’s at full strength?With a handful of key starters out to injury, the opportunity is here now to show what they're capable of as rookies. These two first-year players have taken advantage of every opportunity, every minute they’ve been given; there's no reason to think they won’t continue to do so.Ryan is a basketball scout data analyst who has been covering the Orlando Magic, NBA, and NBA Draft with a focus on roster building strategy, data analytics, film breakdowns, and player development since 2017. He is credentialed media for the Orlando Magic along with top high schools in Central Florida where he scouts talent in marquee matchups at Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, Oak Ridge, and the NBPA Top-100 Camp. He generates basketball data visualizations, formerly with The BBall Index. He has two B.A.s from Florida State University in Business Management and Business Marketing. Twitter/YouTube/Substack: @BeyondTheRKOrlando Magic make game-time calls on Jalen Suggs, Desmond BaneWizards vs. 76ers Prediction, Odds and Best NBA Prop Bets for Wednesday, Jan. 7
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