INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Referee Ben Taylor left the play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers with an injury on Wednesday night.
Taylor walked stiffly off the court and went up the tunnel behind one basket at Intuit Dome with 8:51 left in the third quarter. He was replaced by alternate referee Sean Corbin after a brief delay.
The NBA sends a fourth alternate referee to every postseason game for exactly such a situation.
Taylor is an 11-year NBA veteran referee, while Corbin is in his 31st season on the job.
The ninth-seeded Clippers led the 10th-seeded Warriors 61-53 at halftime of the elimination game.
They’re the Eastern Conference’s No. 7 seed and will play the No. 2 Celtics in the first round.
“They’re playing great,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said of Boston. “They’ve played really great all season. They’ve got a core group of guys that have been together for a long time through a lot of winning and a lot of deep runs. Tremendous, tremendous challenge for us, but we’ll see if we can go figure something out between now and Sunday.”
As Nurse noted, Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at TD Garden. Below is the full schedule for the best-of-seven series. Start times for Games 5 through 7 will be released later if they’re necessary:
Game 1: Sunday, April 19 at Boston at 1 p.m. ET on ABC
Game 2: Tuesday, April 21 at Boston at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock/NBCSN
Game 3: Friday, April 24 at Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Game 4: Sunday, April 26 at Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET on NBC
Even with six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum out until March as he recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Celtics went 56-26 this season and finished 11 games above the Sixers in the standings.
“They’re a battle-tested team,” Kellly Oubre Jr. said. “They’re at full strength now, so this is a matchup we obviously don’t take lightly. We’ve got to go in there and just play all-out for 48 minutes each and every game. … Just got to take this momentum and carry it forward.”
The Sixers will aim for their first playoff series win against the Celtics since 1982. They lost series in 1985, 2002, 2012, 2018, 2020 and 2023.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz on April 12, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Well, the revenge tour was a mixed bag. There were moments of brilliance when Ayton proved to be a productive starting center for the Lakers, but he also struggled and appeared unsatisfied with his role.
But now, the high-stakes games are here, and after missing the postseason the last few years, Ayton can’t wait for his first playoff run with the Lakers.
“You’re thinking about the environment, you think about the fans, thinking about the first game as a Laker in the playoffs, Ayton said after Wednesday’s practice. So, I just try to find some time to catch myself and gather and just relax. I’ve been here before, but I am truly excited. I want to do backflips. I’m in the purple and gold, and I just want to really just play hard as hell to contribute to wins.”
What’s become blatantly obvious is that Ayton works best when he is ramped up and inspired. The Lakers have done things to help create this environment for their big, like labeling his water “crunk juice” and wearing t-shirts featuring Ayton as a lion.
It seems he is ready to roar for the Lakers in the postseason and they need him to be the best version of himself now more than ever. LA is shorthanded with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out, and Ayton is exactly the kind of player that can elevate his game to a higher tier than most.
In the 13 games where Ayton scored at least 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, the Lakers went an impressive 12-1. With Lakers head coach JJ Redick stressing the team has to rebound well and limit turnovers, Ayton will be a big reason why they do or do not accomplish that goal.
Ayton was brought here for games like these. If he plays at a high level in the playoffs, all the downs during the regular season will be forgotten and forgiven. This is his chance to make his mark and demonstrate that he can still play at an elite level on basketball’s biggest stage.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 15: Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates his three-pointer with Tyrese Maxey #0 and Vj Edgecombe #77 during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 15, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ladies and gentlemen, postseason basketball has arrived!
The seventh-seed Sixers welcomed the eighth-seed Orlando Magic to Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philly on Wednesday night for an Eastern Conference battle in the Play-In Tournament. The reward for the winner? A date with the Boston Celtics in the first round of the actual NBA Playoffs, starting on Sunday in Boston.
The Sixers, as we all knew, were without the services of their superstar center Joel Embiid, who is less than a week removed from an emergency appendectomy performed last week. There is currently no timeline for a potential return from Embiid, but he was on the sideline Wednesday night to cheer on his teammates.
The Sixers got out to an early lead in this one behind nine points apiece in the first frame from Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tyrese Maxey. Oubre paced the Sixers early, burying three triples including one right before the first quarter buzzer, giving the Sixers a 28-24 lead after one.
After zero buckets from him in the first quarter, Paul George was the one to get things going to start the second. George knocked down four shots in the period including one from beyond the arc and went into halftime with 11 points. Maxey continued his stellar play led the Sixers at the break with 16 points of his own. The Sixers finished the half on a 9-0 run to go to the intermission with a 59-55 lead. At that point, the Magic were being carried by Desmond Bane, who led all scorers with 19 first-half points. Paolo Banchero wasn’t too far behind him, pouring in 13 in the first two quarters.
A chippy contest throughout, tempers flared in the third quarter as the refs had to separate the two teams on multiple occasions. The play on the court matched the level of the extracurricular activities with both teams trading tough buckets. Bane continued to cook for the Magic, leading the floor yet again after three frames with 28 points.
The Sixers held a 79-74 advantage headed to the final period. Twelve minutes away from the playoffs. What could go wrong?
(Fortunately, for once in Sixers’ history, things actually just went relatively well.)
A huge fourth quarter by numerous Sixers finally sealed this one in favor of Philadelphia. Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Andre Drummond, and Oubre all hit timely buckets and made key stops to propel the Sixers to victory — and to the NBA playoffs for the eighth time in nine years.
<p>(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Tyrese Maxey was a constant contributor throughout this one for Philadelphia, but his biggest burst came in the fourth quarter, including a personal 7-0 run against the Magic towards the beginning of the frame.
Maxey constant pace and rim pressure were too much for Orlando to handle all night, and Maxey took full advantage. He got downhill with momentum on his side as often as he could, dancing through the Magic defense and often finishing in that acrobatic way we all know he can, even through a lot of contact on more than a few occasions. Whether it was that or creating just a modicum of sink to take a jumper, Maxey was in his bag tonight and it was fantastic to see, especially after seeing how he had struggled to get into a groove in some games to close the regular season.
The Sixers’ All-Star guard rose the occasion as a leader once again. With Embiid sidelined, Maxey’s leadership statistically and simply in commanding his team was more crucial than ever, and he certainly delivered on Wednesday.
Maxey finished the night with 31 points on 11-for-25 field goal shooting (3-for-9 from long range) with six assists, one steal and one block.
Next up is Tyrese Maxey, who led the Sixers with 31 points… with a LOT of them coming off impressive shot creation and some difficult finishes through contact.
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
The Sixers rookie sensation just etched another chapter into his incredible freshman season in the NBA.
As he has all year, Edgecombe put in multiple acrobatic, crowd-pleasing finishes and sank some sincerely tough jumpers that most first-year players are simply not going to hit. Even putting aside the buckets, though, the rookie put up solid defense and team-leading rebounding in this one. Edgecombe pulled down 11 rebounds (beating Andre Drummond by just one to lead the squad) and had a bevy of deflections as well.
Edgecombe put up exactly the type of performance the Sixers needed from their rookie — and that’s a lot to ask of a 20-year-old! But, again, he rose to meet the large expectations.
Edgecombe finished Wednesday with a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double with an assist and a steal.
Excellent double-double night from the rookie VJ Edgecombe, who certainly didn't look new to the NBA postseason. A monster rebounder tonight and more than a few really impressive buckets.
Andre Drummond: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2-for-3 from three
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
What a night from the NBA vet in Andre Drummond.
It has been an up and down season for Drummond with the Sixers. At times, he was an absolute unexpected hero, especially with a big role to fill at the times Embiid has been unavailable. Other times, though, a different Drummond seemed to be on the floor, one that was seemingly stuck in place at times and less agile — one that looked 32.
Tonight, Drummond looked as good, if not better, than the young guns in their early 20s. His stats speak for themselves in this one, which will get to in a second, but I’d argue he did even better than the numbers would have one believe. Even coming in off the bench after Adem Bona was started in the five spot, Drummond went right to work as a massive impact on both ends of the floor for Philadelphia.
It honestly might have been the veteran’s best defensive night of the entire season so far, getting up in the air and altering shots at the rim, collecting three blocks for his efforts. He was also an aggressive and efficient rebounder for the Sixers and even had a few really solid passes — again, a few that might have been the best we’ve seen all season from him.
Drummond came up with that third and final block on one of the Magic’s final possessions as they tried to claw back into the game. Then, in very appropriate fashion, Drum hit the dagger with his second corner three of the contest, putting things out of reach of Orlando and squashing their last speck of hope to make some sort of last-second comeback.
Drummond finished the game with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double. He shot 4-for-8 from the floor and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. He also had two assists, three steals and those three blocks we mentioned.
My first Sixers shoutout for tonight has to go to Andre Drummond. What an impactful performance off the bench, all over the floor… all culminating in the dagger corner 3PT.
<p> (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s performance might be a bit overshadowed by some flashier teammates’ tonight, but no one should discount the impact he had on the Sixers pulling out the win in this one.
He was the first one for Philadelphia to really get going on the offensive end, hitting three triples in the first frame for a team-high nine points. As his teammates began to produce more offensively, Oubre’s night scoring slowed but certainly didn’t stop. Orlando seemed to not learn from their mistake of leaving Oubre with space on the arc, so he kept firing away. He finished the game with a floor-leading five triples made.
In addition to just the sheer energy boost he undoubtedly brings to this Sixers lineup, Oubre has the ability to impact games like Wednesday by simply sticking to what’s working. It hasn’t been a problem as much this season as in the past, but Oubre can still have moments of trying to do a bit too much, often leading to a lot of sloppy mistakes and inefficient shooting. Not tonight. He was exactly who the Sixers needed him to be, not a player trying to perform beyond his abilities, but one sticking to his strengths and ready whenever his number was called.
Oubre finished Wednesday with 19 points (6-for-12 field goal shooting, 5-for-10 three-point shooting) with three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Alright, round four. The first three have just gone so well.
With their win over the Orlando Magic in the Play-In tournament, the Sixers’ 2026 playoff position is finally set in stone. They will be the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will take on the second-seeded Boston Celtics.
Now that they officially have a set opponent and seed, the league has also announced dates, times and TV networks for the first round of the playoffs. The first two games of the series will of course be in Boston, with Game 1 kicking off the series on Sunday, April 19. This rivalry will be kicking off a Sunday slate full of basketball as that one will tip off at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. This is also a helpful reminder that for the first time in years, local broadcast channels will not carry round one.
Game 2 will be Tuesday the 21st at 7 p.m. on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. When the series swings back to Philly for Game 3, the series will be shown on a third different platform. That’ll be the 24th at 7 p.m. and that one will be on Amazon Prime. Game 4 will be on the 26th, again at 7 p.m., and this one will just be on regular NBC.
If the series goes any further, and that is a big if, Game 5 would be on the 26th in Boston. Game 6, if necessary, would be on the 28th in Philly. If things get really crazy, Game 7 would take place on May 2. Times and TV networks haven’t been announced for those last three — the league has to wait and see how many series progress that far first.
With the No. 7 seed, the Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA Playoffs presented by @Google.
This marks the 23rd playoff series between the @celtics and @sixers — the most frequent matchup in NBA history.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the first half at State Farm Arena.
It really wasn’t that long ago that Jalen Brunson was still considered a sidekick at best, a second-round talent, widely labeled as overpaid — upon signing with the Knicks in 2022 — before becoming the best bargain in the NBA.
Brunson joined a team that had made the playoffs once in nine years and became Bernard King to a generation, improbably making it so that it is no longer blasphemy to evoke the Brooklyn legend who appeared to walk on water.
Entering the Knicks’ fourth straight postseason, few players make a fan base feel as comfortable in the final minutes as Brunson does. Few players seem so prepared for this moment and this stage. There is no reason to think this year will be any different.
Jalen Brunson shoots over Dyson Daniels during the first quarter of the Knicks’ win over the Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 6, 2026 in Atlanta. Getty Images
But Brunson’s first hurdle could be the toughest he faces this spring, matching up with Atlanta’s 6-foot-7 defensive stopper — Dyson Daniels.
“He’s a great defender,” Brunson said following Wednesday’s practice. “He’s very smart and he’s able to use his wingspan and create havoc on and off the ball. He does a lot of great things for their team and puts them in position to be successful.”
Daniels followed last season’s All-Defensive First Team selection by ranking second in the league in turnovers forced and tying for fourth in steals per game (2.0).
The 23-year-old Australian will make his playoff debut Saturday at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of their first-round series, having spent more time defending Brunson over the past two seasons than any other player in the league, according to NBA tracking data.
Daniels’ length — including a five-inch height advantage over Brunson — and athleticism have created issues for the Knicks star, including Atlanta’s NBA Cup quarterfinal win at the Garden last season, when Brunson was held to 15 points. Brunson and Daniels’ teams have split eight meetings over the past three seasons, with Brunson posting a -24 plus/minus in those matchups.
Last season, Daniels also boasted that Brunson wouldn’t want to see him as a defender, speaking of a developing on-court rivalry. The Knicks captain responded by averaging 31.6 points in their past five meetings. One game featured a Brunson game-winner over Daniels at the Garden. Another saw Brunson uncharacteristically taunt Daniels after the Hawks wing fouled out.
This season, Brunson has averaged 29.3 points and 7.7 assists in three games (two wins) against the Hawks but has struggled from the perimeter, hitting less than 30 percent of his 3s.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Brunson said last year. “With trash talk or not, being competitive, that dude can hoop.” During the Knicks’ first conference finals run in a quarter-century, Brunson opened by torching Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, one of the league’s best athletes. In the second-round upset of the defending champion Celtics, Brunson handled Jrue Holiday, one of the best perimeter defenders of his era.
The best may bring out his best.
“They’ve been playing great,” Brunson said of the Hawks. “We’ve gotta be ready for the challenge. I’m definitely excited. I think it’s gonna be great for us and it’s gonna be a hard-fought battle.
Jalen Brunson makes a move on Dyson Daniels during the first half of the Knicks’ win over the Hawks on April 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Philadelphia 76ers weathered the absence of Joel Embiid to beat the Orlando Magic 109-97 on Wednesday night and secure the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Sixers moved on to a first-round series that begins Sunday at Boston.
Desmond Bane and the Magic aren’t done yet. They will host Charlotte on Friday night, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed in the East and a first-round matchup with Detroit.
The Hornets held on to beat Miami 127-126 when Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell’s attempt at a winning layup at the buzzer. Charlotte’s LeMelo Ball will play, although he was fined $35,000 for what the league said was an uncalled flagrant foul when he tripped Bam Adebayo, causing a back injury that forced the Miami star out of the game.
Embiid had an emergency appendectomy last week in Houston. While the 76ers haven’t given a timetable for his return, the two-time scoring champion returned to the team on Wednesday, surprising teammates in the locker room and watching the game from the bench.
Maxey, named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the first time in his career, scored seven straight points late in the fourth to give the Sixers some breathing room against a Magic team that wasted a chance to play this game at home with a late collapse in a loss to the Celtics in the season finale.
Bane, who averaged 20.1 points and played all 82 games, carried Orlando’s offense with 34 points. He hit a 3 that moved Orlando within two and Anthony Black hit a 3 that pulled the Magic to 87-86.
Maxey had a bit more help down the stretch.
Andre Drummond filled the void left by Embiid with 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 19 points and Paul George had 16.
George, who served a 25-game suspension this season for flunking a drug test, hit a fadeaway jumper in the third quarter that stretched the lead to seven and prompted an Orlando timeout. He later popped the ball free and dumped it to Edgecombe, who dunked on — and got in the face of — Jalen Suggs for a 73-62 lead.
Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, was whistled for taunting and officials had to separate the teams. Oubre waved his arms toward a roaring crowd and the Sixers seemed primed to build some separation.
Up next
Game 2 is Tuesday in Boston, and the Sixers return home for Game 3 on April 24.
PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey and his 76ers teammates sent feelers out to Joel Embiid about the recovering All-Star center attending the play-in game.
Embiid had been absent since his emergency appendectomy last week and the Sixers thought it would lift his spirits if he was part of their playoff push.
Unsure of his answer hours ahead of tipoff Wednesday night against Orlando, Embiid surprised his teammates by walking into the locker room about an hour before the game. He provided an emotional boost to Maxey and the Sixers just by showing up.
Tyrese Maxey, who scored a team-high 31 points, shoots a floater during the host 76ers’ 109-97 win over the Magic on April 15, 2026 in the NBA play-in tournament. NBAE via Getty Images
“I gave him a big hug,” Maxey said. “I was glad to see him.”
Maxey took over in the fourth quarter, much the way Embiid did in so many crucial games over the years.
Maxey scored 31 points, and V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Sixers’ 109-97 win over the Magic that gave Philadelphia the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Sixers begin their first-round series Sunday at Boston.
Maxey, named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, scored seven straight points late in the fourth to help the Sixers put away the Magic.
“It was just me deciding I wanted to be aggressive,” Maxey said. “I had some really good looks that I missed early in the third, that I made in the first half. So I was just really confident I was going to make some shots.”
Maxey — the Sixers’ career 3-point leader — hit three 3s and made 11 of 25 shots as the Sixers made the playoffs a year after they went 24-58.
Joel Embiid, who is out after recently undergoing an emergency appendectomy last week, gave his 76ers teammates a boost by attending their win over the Magic in the NBA play-in game. AP
“He’s been doing a bit of that lately as far as understanding we need kind of his greatness at the right time,” coach Nick Nurse said.
The Sixers had leaned on Embiid’s greatness over the years — but also came to understand that playing without the oft-injured former MVP is part of the deal in Philadelphia.
The team hasn’t given a timetable for Embiid’s return from his appendectomy. The two-time scoring champion sat in on a video session Wednesday and watched the game from the bench.
Maxey is going to need to excel for the Sixers to have a shot against the Celtics.
VJ Edgecombe, who scored 19 points, looks to knock the ball away from Orlando’s Anthony Black during the second quarter of the 76ers’ win over the Magic in the NBA play-in tournament. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sixers fans chanted “We want Boston!” in the waning moments, but it might be best to pay heed to series history — the 76ers have lost their last six playoff series against the Celtics. Philadelphia last topped Boston in a series in 1982.
That’s a worry for the next practice. Maxey walked off the court to a roaring crowd — including Allen Iverson — and teammates swarmed him to show their appreciation.
“I promised some guys we were going to get in the playoffs,” Maxey said.
One bright spot out of last season’s dismal finish was getting the No. 3 pick in the draft. The Sixers — who drafted a string of busts during their lengthy rebuild — appear to have made a wise move by selecting Edgecombe out of Baylor.
The 20-year-old opened the season with 34 points against Boston, the third-most points for an NBA player in his first game. He was just as impressive in his first play-in game with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Edgecombe was whistled for taunting after a dunk in the third quarter and officials had to separate the teams.
“I was tweaking a little bit tonight,” Edgecombe said. “I guess it happens when you let a kid play such a high-intensity game. I was out there having fun. If I’ve got to play wild for us to win, I’ll play wild.”
Curry has been dealing with lingering injuries this season, including a runner’s knee that sidelined him for more than two months, so the sight of him headed into the locker room prompted concerns that he had reaggravated the injury.
Moments later, however, Curry was back on the bench, talking with teammates.
“Oh don’t worry about me,” Curry told the Amazon Prime sideline reporter as he walked back to the bench. “I’m good.”
Curry played 8:13 in the first quarter and went 1-of-5 from the field, for 3 points. He finally returned to the court with 7:59 to go in the second quarter.
He proved there wasn't anything to worry about. Curry finished with a game-high 35 points as the Warriors pulled out a dramatic 126-121 victory.
Ball seemingly tripped Adebayo — the league called it "unnecessary and reckless contact" — during the second quarter of Tuesday night's game, causing Adebayo to fall and creating what the league called “a significant injury risk.”
Ball will not face a suspension, however.
"I apologize on that one," Ball told reporters after the game. "I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was, but I’m going to check in on him to see if he’s OK and everything."
Adebayo suffered a lower back injury as a result of the fall and did not return to the game, which the Hornets won 127-126 in overtime. The foul took place with 11:13 left in the second quarter of the game.
Ball was fined an additional $25,000 for his use of “profane language” during a postgame television interview.
When do the Charlotte Hornets play next?
LaMelo Ball and the Hornets will play at the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 17. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
LaMelo Ball was assessed an after-the-fact flagrant foul 2 and fined $35,000 for "making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk," the NBA announced on Wednesday.
That means he will not be suspended and will play Friday night when Charlotte travels to Orlando for a win-and-you 're-in play-in game. Ball was fined an additional $25,000 for "using profane language during a live postgame television interview," bringing his total fined for Tuesday night's game to $60,000.
The play in question happened in the second quarter, when Ball drove the lane and threw up a shot that Simone Fontecchio blocked. Ball went to the ground, Adebayo grabbed the loose ball, and Ball reached over and hit Adebayo's leg, leading to a nasty fall.
The play where Bam Adebayo got taken out. LaMelo Ball was complaining to the referees afterward. pic.twitter.com/xbKAhslFHB
Adebayo left the game not to return, and Charlotte went on to beat Miami 127-126 on a Ball driving layup in overtime.
If Ball had been called for a flagrant 2 foul during the game he would have been ejected. The play was not reviewed (because there was no foul call and play continued on the other end of the court).
"I didn't see it [when it happened], but I don't think it's cute," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame. "I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play...
"He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There is no place in the game for that."
Ball apologized after the game.
"I apologize on that one," Ball said. "I got hit in the head and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him and see if he is OK and everything."
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic during the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Ah screw it, bring on the Celtics.
The Sixers out battled the Orlando Magic 109-97 in the first round of the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament Wednesday night. They have now earned the seventh seed in the East and will take on Boston in the first round of the playoffs, beginning Sunday afternoon.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 31 points, shooting 11-of-25 from the floor along with six assists. Paul George put up 16 points, five assists and two steals on six-of-16 shooting.
In his first postseason game, VJ Edgecombe went for 19 points, shooting 7-of-16 from the floor while pulling down 11 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 as well while Desmond Bane led all scorers with 34.
Joel Embiid (appendectomy surgery recovery) and Johni Broome (knee surgery recovery) were out for the Sixers while Orlando was down Jonathan Isaac (knee sprain).
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
Adem Bona got the start at center in this one. Size-wise it did make sense to stagger him against Wendell Carter Jr. and Andre Drummond against Goga Bitadze. Bona grabbed an offensive rebound and hit another off a defender. Both of those second chances led to the Sixers’ first five points of the game. Kelly Oubre Jr. started well making two of his first threes and got in an early jawing match with Paolo Banchero that earned double technicals.
It’s not a surprise both defenses looked better early. Orlando looked to have an early edge on the glass while the Sixers caused disruption via deflections. They had three early steals and scored on two of those fast break opportunities. Maxey got credit for the steal Drummond started with his deflection, but the backup center swatted away two shots in the quarter.
Orlando’s defense was able to keep the Sixers’ dribble penetration out of the lane and make them settle. Neither Maxey or George shot it well out of the gate, opening a combined 3-of-10 from the floor. Maxey found his footing a bit, knocking down a couple jumpers, forcing a Magic timeout in the process. He had a floater just rim out only to be slammed back home by Drummond. Maxey swung to an open Oubre in the corner for a three that put the Sixers up by four after one.
Tyrese Maxey with zero hesitation from long range! He's got 9 points so far in Q1 pic.twitter.com/GGfsB4HbMH
Maxey finally went to the bench to start the quarter. Of course, George and Edgecombe manned the floor with him off. Nick Nurse only went eight deep in the first half. George started it well hitting a pair of contested pull-ups. On the other end, the Magic started having an easier time getting to the basket. Franz Wagner opened the quarter with a floater before the Sixers surrendered a wide open cut and a put-back dunk.
Fouling a guy enough to get called, but not enough to make the defender miss the shot feels like something the Sixers are uniquely bad at as the Magic had a couple and-1s early in the quarter. He didn’t commit either, but Dominick Barlow picked up three fouls in a whistle-happy half.
For as much as they settled, the Sixers were also swinging the ball into a good amount of open threes that weren’t falling. George and Maxey remained the only Sixers other than Oubre to make one. They got better looks near the basket as the half closed. Maxey hit a nice floater, Oubre challenged Carter at the basket and made the layup, and Edgecombe got a layup and a foul in transition. The Magic continued to live at the line though, shooting 17 free throws in the half. After that 17th attempt, Maxey responded with a drive and kick to the corner and Drummond knocked it down, keeping the Sixers lead right at four at the half.
Fittingly, Bane opened the second half by drawing a light foul, sinking his jumper in the process. The Sixers defense responded very well to that with three straight stops, including a shot clock violation and a nice block from Bona. Moving the ball well finally paid off for the Sixers as well as Edgecombe knocked down a corner three. Oubre hit one not long after to give the Sixers their largest lead of the night at seven.
It was pretty noticeable how well the Sixers were getting to 50/50 balls compared to postseasons of years past. Edgecombe was a big reason for that. The save he made on Bona’s incredible third block was also very impressive. George poked free a steal that Edgecombe ran out and finished the play with a fast break layup. The flexing he did in Jalen Suggs’ face brought on more chippiness and the crowd to its feet, but Edgecombe got a technical in the process. It was the fifth technical assessed by this point in the game.
For as much as the crowd got into that moment, the Sixers’ momentum was halted, going scoreless for the next two and a half minutes and without a field goal for over three. It took the rebound of a Maxey airball bouncing its way to Barlow to break that streak as the Sixers couldn’t buy a jumper. Orlando chipped away from the line before some free throws started bouncing their way. Anthony Black missed a pair to give the fans free chicken before Drummond sank two, keeping the Sixers ahead by five.
Fourth Quarter
Edgecombe had his shot blocked to start the fourth, but the Sixers were able to run back with the Magic and get a stop. It was important they do that and tack on a couple baskets, because Edgecombe then turned it over trying to get it to George. Orlando finding their three-point stroke only made it easier to stay on the Sixers’ heels. Edgecombe made up for that a few plays later with a brilliant strip on Banchero.
That steal helped the Sixers settle down a bit. Edgecombe hit a jumper before Maxey ripped off seven straight points of his own. It was his longest stretch of the game where he could hit from anywhere. A lot of the foul calls may have been weak but two very poorly-timed fouls from Bona really helped the Magic stop that momentum. He fouled Banchero once the ball had already gone through the hoop, then he just shoved Carter long after the rebound had been secured.
Sixers hitting some tough buckets to start Q4, like this reverse finish from Tyrese Maxey. Tight game with 9 mins to play! pic.twitter.com/WDCZuHvnJF
The Sixers continued to leave points on the table. They gave up two offensive rebounds on a possession, then George split a pair of free throws. Drummond threw a great pass to find Edgecombe on the baseline, but they gave it right back by losing Wagner in front of the basket. For all of these scenarios though, they responded with points. They answered the Magic every time down, which is what it takes to win these games. Edgecombe tried to dunk on everyone like a maniac and had to settle for a trip to the line.
After Maxey made a tremendous block of a layup and Oubre made two more at the line, it looked wrapped up as the crowd chanted “We want Boston.” Fittingly, the actual icing on the cake was another corner three from Drummond.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 8: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics pregame against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 8, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics will officially play the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The 7th-seeded 76ers defeated the 8th-seeded Orlando Magic in a Play-In game on Wednesday night, thus punching their ticket to the first round of the playoffs.
The Celtics – 76ers full first-round schedule
Game 1: 76ers at Celtics, Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. at TD Garden Game 2: 76ers at Celtics, Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m. at TD Garden Game 3: Celtics at 76ers, Friday, April 24, 7 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena or Kia Center Game 4: Celtics at 76ers/Magic, Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena or Kia Center Game 5: 76ers at Celtics, Tuesday, April 28, TBD at TD Garden* Game 6: Celtics at 76ers, Thursday, April 30, TBD at Xfinity Mobile Arena or Kia Center* Game 7: 76ers at Celtics, Saturday, May 2, TBD at TD Garden*
*If necessary
How the Celtics, 76ers stack up
The Celtics went 2-2 against the 76ers this year, with three of the games decided by one basket.
The Celtics, however, have been the far better team — they finished the year 56-26, and with the league’s fourth-best net rating, second-best offense, and fourth-best defense.
The 76ers finished with a 45-37 record after an injury-riddled campaign that also saw Paul George endure a 25-game suspension. Philadelphia finished with the 18th-best net rating, 16th-best offensive rating, and 17th-best defensive rating.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10, 2026: Standing next to Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) gets ready to check back into the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
It may not be the biggest story of this Lakers season, but one of the highlights has been Bronny James’ development.
He played in 42 games for LA and his best basketball came during the final games of the regular season, when the Lakers needed him to step up with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out.
Over the last six contests, Bronny averaged 7.2 points while playing 16.9 minutes per game.
With the playoffs set to begin, Lakers head coach JJ Redick discussed how Bronny has developed and how he needs to stay ready for playoff minutes against the Rockets.
“We’re gonna have to have all hands on deck for the series,” Redick said after Lakers practice on Wednesday. “He’s got to be ready. Nick [Smith Jr.] will have to be ready. I think Bronny’s improved a lot. I think we trust him. The shooting piece, I’m a believer in, because of how well he shot it in the last two years in the G League.
“I know there was a stretch recently where he didn’t shoot it well and of course, he had a nice shooting game against Utah. He’s improved a ton defensively in terms of his body positioning, both on and off ball. We want him to continue to evolve as a disruptive defender as well.”
Last year, Bronny only touched the floor during the playoffs in garbage time. If he plays real minutes against Houston, that would be tremendous growth for the two-year guard, considering that he was a late second-round pick back in 2024.
Until the series starts, we won’t know if Bronny is automatically part of the rotation or if he’s a player waiting on the bench for an opportunity to come. Given they are shorthanded in the backcourt and Bronny has improved his play as of late, he is likely to get some run against the Rockets.
Due to his current form, it’s clear he’s gained more trust from Redick. And now, the thought of him playing in the postseason is not only realistic but sensible.
Three of Bronny’s four double-digit scoring games have come this April, and if he can show that consistency, knocking down shots and being a positive defender on the floor this postseason, that gives LA another guard they can use.
Mar 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks with center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
We’ve finally made it.
The NBA Playoffs are (kind of) here, and the Pistons open Sunday against whoever survives the Magic/Sixers/Hornets play-in on Friday. This isn’t a full preview, just some thoughts and observations ahead of the Pistons’ biggest postseason in 19 years.
Let’s dive in.
I’m not concerned with the Play-In The Pistons are the No. 1 seed for a reason. None of Orlando, Philly, or Charlotte should scare you.
Detroit went 9-2 against that trio this season, and one of the Orlando losses came last week without Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart.
Charlotte is volatile because of their shooting, but that kind of 3-point variance is more dangerous in a one-game setting than a seven-game series. It’s hard to see them staying hot over the course of a playoff series.
Philadelphia, for now, doesn’t have Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey is still an All-NBA dude, but the rest of the roster lacks punch. Even if Embiid returns, he’s not the same guy who tormented the Pistons during his MVP era.
Orlando is just… off. The talent is there, but between the late-season slide, the Paolo Banchero situation, and locker room noise, it’s hard to take them seriously. Vibes are badddddd.
Detroit should handle this series in five games. Not a sweep, but a gentleman’s sweep.
Are Detroit sports fans a little damaged? There’s a weird level of local skepticism around this team.
Nationally, sure, I get it. No. 1 seeds without a deep playoff track record always get a side-eye. But locally? It feels like people are bracing for disaster.
Maybe it’s last year’s Tigers collapse or the Lions’ flameout over the past two years, but there’s a lot of “they could lose to Charlotte” or “there’s zero chance they make the Conference Finals.”
It’s just odd. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I think the Pistons will win the title (they won’t) nor that they’ll make the Finals (they might), but this isn’t a team walking into the playoffs blind.
They got their playoff indoctrination last year. That matters.
A shorter rotation is coming I caught a lot of flak on Twitter recently over this, but I think the Pistons are going to cut down their rotation come Sunday. We’re not going to see 10-11 guys playing.
Maybe we will if the series isn’t close, but if it’s a real, down-to-the-wire series, we’re going to mostly see the starters playing more with Ron Holland, Daniss Jenkins, Stew and Kevin Huerter carrying the load off the bench.
This scheduling is weird Boston and San Antonio, the No. 2 seeds, will know their opponent for Sunday’s Game 1s by the end of the night.
The No. 1 seeds won’t know until Friday night.
That’s a little wack. The top seed still gets home court and an easier path on paper, but the play-in muddies that advantage a little bit. It’s not a huge deal, but feels like a quirk the NBA should look at.
It’s Jalen Duren’s time Duren took the leap this year.
Made the All-Star team, likely making All-NBA — should but won’t win the Most Improved Player award — but I think there’s still more to come.
Detroit will need his offense in these playoffs, but the real swing is his defense. If he can hold up on switches in the playoffs as he has in the regular season, it makes a deep run possible. He had moments against the New York Knicks last year, but struggled overall on D. I think he’s going to click on both ends this year.
If it’s Charlotte, he should dominate. Same against Philly sans Embiid. Even against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, the numbers are hard to ignore: 21.7 points and 12.3 rebounds vs. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen this season, including 28.5 points and 15 rebounds per game in two matchups after the All-Star break.
He’s a mismatch and massive advantage for Detroit.
Three X-Factors I couldn’t pick one, so you get three and a half very important dudes:
Ron Holland — He looked like a deer in the headlights against the Knicks last year, but the game has slowed down for him recently. His numbers (10 points per game, 46% from the field, 48% from three on 21 attempts) in six games this month sans Cade back it up. He’s ready to roll.
Daniss Jenkins — As far as I’m concerned, he’s a rookie. Jenkins has had highs and lows, but overall, he’s just produced. He’s not afraid. His playmaking and shot creation could swing a game or two. It’s easy to get sped up in the playoffs; the key for him is staying aggressive without losing control.
Duncan Robinson — We saw Detroit struggle when Malik Beasley went cold last postseason, so Robinson’s shooting is obviously critical. He brings real playoff experience (61 games, 40% from three). The question is whether Detroit can protect him defensively or if they can trust Jenkins enough to close in his place.
We’re gonna say, “Woo”
I don’t know when.
I don’t know how.
I just know Javonte Green is going to have his moment. I don’t have him in the truncated playoff rotation right now, but there’s going to be a spot where the Pistons need a jolt or big play on defense or dunk to wake up the LCA crowd.
I’m gonna bet Woo is the guy who delivers.
—
What are you all feeling headed into Sunday? Let us know in the comments!
