Anthony Black erupted for a career-high 31 points, pouring in 27 before halftime, as the Orlando Magic overwhelmed the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 144–103 in NBA Cup play on Tuesday night.
Black set the early tone for Orlando, while Franz Wagner added 21 points to help the Magic remain unbeaten in Cup action at 3–0. The game turned chippy late in the second quarter when Jalen Suggs was ejected with 27 seconds left in the half after picking up two technicals during a heated exchange.
Philadelphia, missing Joel Embiid (right knee injury management), Paul George (right ankle sprain), and rookie VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness), struggled to keep pace. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 20 points, but the absences proved too much as Philly fell to 0–3 in Cup competition.
After a 35–35 opening quarter, Orlando seized control with a dominant second period. Magic fans drowned out the Wells Fargo Center with boos when Orlando stretched its lead to 17 with 5:30 left in the half. The Magic closed the quarter on a surge, outscoring the Sixers by 26 to take an 86–60 advantage at the break.
Philadelphia’s injury woes deepened when Trendon Watford exited late in the first half with a left adductor strain and did not return. Embiid missed his eighth straight game and 11th of the season as he continues to navigate issues with both knees. George, coming off offseason surgery, sat for the third time in four games.
Orlando was also without Paolo Banchero, sidelined for the seventh consecutive game with a left groin strain.
The 76ers are now eliminated from NBA Cup contention.
Up Next:
Magic: At Detroit to take on Pistons on Friday
76ers: Travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Friday night
