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Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe give thoughts on matchup with Magic guards
TL;DR
The Philadelphia 76ers face the Orlando Magic in a crucial play-in game, with Magic guards Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, and Anthony Black posing a significant challenge for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Maxey, who has performed well against the Magic this season, emphasizes the need for strength and hard play against their physical defense.
CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers will see their fair share of challenges when they take on the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game. The Magic rely on their perimeter guards to cause havoc defensively and make life miserable for opposing guards so they can get out and run.
Led by Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, and Anthony Black, the Magic will do their best to harass Sixers stars Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe out on the perimeter. Maxey has had success against the Magic on the season--as headlined in Sixers Wire's deep dive into this matchup--and he will look to continue that against Orlando in the play-in game.
"They’re physical defenders," Maxey said of the Magic's guard trio. "Gotta play extremely hard. They’re extremely handsy. You gotta be strong with the ball."
Handsy is right. Suggs averages 1.8 steals per game, Black averages 1.4, and Bane averages 1.0 so they will do everything they can to force turnovers and get easy baskets. That will be something to watch in the matchup on Wednesday.
Of course, there will be other factors that play into the game on Wednesday. The Magic have big, physical wings in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner that carry the brunt of the offense, but the Sixers will have to be wary of Orlando's guards.
"I know they’re gonna be physical," Edgecombe added. "I expect the game to be physical. They’re good. They’re good players, but my focus is just winning, man. I’m not worried about, say—I mean, obviously, I’m worried about them in the case that I have to defend them, but I’m not worried about them in any other way. I’m just gonna hoop. Play basketball, and like I said, may the best team win."
The Sixers can also match up with the Magic when both teams go to a 3-guard lineup. When Philadelphia turns to Quentin Grimes to join Maxey and Edgecombe, it's another factor that can play into this matchup. While Orlando will roll out a Suggs, Bane, and Black focused lineup, the Sixers can do the same with their three guards and match up with them.
"Pretty well," Maxey said. "Our speed, our playmaking abilities, and our scoring, our defense being able to switch certain guys on certain offensive players. I think it’s gonna be good for us."
Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe give thoughts on matchup with Magic guards
Q&A
What challenges do the Philadelphia 76ers face against the Orlando Magic guards?
The 76ers will contend with the Magic's physical defenders, particularly Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, and Anthony Black, who are known for their ability to force turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.
How have Tyrese Maxey's performances been against the Orlando Magic this season?
Tyrese Maxey has had success against the Magic throughout the season and aims to maintain that performance in the upcoming play-in game.
What are the average steals per game for the Magic's guards Suggs, Bane, and Black?
Jalen Suggs averages 1.8 steals per game, Anthony Black averages 1.4, and Desmond Bane averages 1.0 steals per game, highlighting their defensive capabilities.