"Magic Number" now down to 3 for clinching playoff spot

With the IND loss to MIA FRI night, the Magic are now 1 1/2 games ahead of the Pacers for the 8th seed with 4 games remaining for the Magic and 3 left for IND. With the NJ win over NY, the Magic are 1 1/2 games behind the Nets for the 7th seed. With the WAS win over ATL, the Magic can no longer catch WAS. If NJ wins 2 of their last 3 games, the Magic cannot catch NJ even if the Magic win their remaining 4 games.

The Magic (36-42, 13-26 road) play a SAT afternoon game at PHI (33-45, 21-18 home). The 76ers could still catch the Magic, but a Magic win today would eliminate them. PHI is playing good basketball, having won 3 in a row and 16 of 25 since the All-Star break, and is coming off a 102-94 victory over BOS WED. Former Magic draftee Steven Hunter scored a career-high 20 pts.

PHI is led in scoring by G/F Andre Iguodala, averaging 18.3 ppg, 5.8 rebs; F Kyle Korver 14.4 ppg on 42.5% 3 pt FG shooting; G Andre Miller 13.3 ppg, 7.4 asts; C Sam Dalembert 10.9 ppg, 9.1 rebs; and G Willie Green 10.7 ppg. PHI averages 94.6 ppg, while allowing 97.7 ppg; the Magic average 94.7 ppg, while allowing 94.6 ppg.

The Magic may catch a big break again, in terms of opposing team injuries. PHI leading scorer Iguodala is questionable with a strained lower back, and second-leading scorer Korver is doubtful with a strained wrist. Promising rookie Rodney Carney is day-to-day with a sprained knee.