Poll: Preferred First Round Opponent?

[Phantom255x]

I lean Magic. We just beat most of their "A" team with the Maine Celtics, and their defense has gotten a bit worse than last year + they don't have Cole Anthony anymore. And Orlando isn't some prolific offense either, they are prone to stretches with little scoring still. It's weird even after they got Bane but it just hasn't worked out consistently and Banchero has stagnated as well (probably some of that is on the organization and coaching/scheme) 

Even with no Embiid, the Sixers still have some good high-end talent in Maxey and George, and a solid bench with a solid coach.

I think we'll beat either team in 5 games, but Orlando would be "easier"

[Celtics2021]

Sixers.  I am not worried about beating either.  The series should not go more than 5 games.  I think the Magic are more likely to get goonish and hurt our players, however, so since the goal is a long playoff run, I would prefer Philly

[Goldstar88]

Magic couldn?t beat our Scrubs, so I will go with them. 

[BitterJim]

Sixers.  I am not worried about beating either.  The series should not go more than 5 games.  I think the Magic are more likely to get goonish and hurt our players, however, so since the goal is a long playoff run, I would prefer Philly

That's my thinking, too. Neither team has a chance against us, so I'll take the lower injury risk

[Celtics4ever]

No team in the East scares me, and only a few teams in the West.  Bring them on!

Embiid can only play three quarters when healthy and isn't he out post surgery for his appendix?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7185679/2026/04/10/sixers-joel-embiid-surgery-appendix-playoffs/

[Redz]

Magic couldn?t beat our Scrubs, so I will go with them. 

We could just rest the starters the whole first round 😆

[Vermont Green]

It is an interesting question.  To me, both teams should be better than they have been.  ORL was tough last season and added Bane.  They should be even better but then couldn't even beat the G-League version of the Celtics.  Kind of the same for PHI.  Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George makes for a good top 3.  Edgecombe then is added to this group.  But they are never all healthy, never seem to be able to put it together.

So both teams have the potential to give BOS plenty of trouble but neither team probably will.  I really don't know which team we should prefer.  My non-answer, answer is we want the team that is least likely to figure it out and actually play to their potential.  That is probably PHI.

[Roy H.]

No strong preference, but I'd say Orlando. 

[Csfan1984]

I'd like 76ers. Who knows how many times we will get to see Embid in the playoffs again.

[Donoghus]

Sixers.  I am not worried about beating either.  The series should not go more than 5 games.  I think the Magic are more likely to get goonish and hurt our players, however, so since the goal is a long playoff run, I would prefer Philly

This.  Plus I'm never gonna pass a chance to stick it to one of our biggest rivals.

[slamtheking]

Sixers.  I am not worried about beating either.  The series should not go more than 5 games.  I think the Magic are more likely to get goonish and hurt our players, however, so since the goal is a long playoff run, I would prefer Philly

This.  Plus I'm never gonna pass a chance to stick it to one of our biggest rivals.

agreed.  any chance to make Lakers, Sixers or Knick suffer is very enjoyable.  the question in this case would be is it more enjoyable to see the Sixers suffer a loss in the play-in and go into a fight they'll likely lose against Charlotte after that or more enjoyable to knock them off ourselves.  I think the Sixers will beat Orlando with or without Embiid but have to admit I think it'd be more demoralizing to the franchise to have them lose 2 play-in games and get bounced out of the playoffs.

[Vermont Green]

Regarding Embiid:

Surgery was April 9.  Typical recovery to a point of heavy activity is at least 2-4 weeks per the internet.  3 weeks is April 30.  April 19 (first game vs. BOS) would only be 10 days after surgery.  He could miss the whole series, depending on how many games.  And even if he does come back, what kind of shape will be be in for the first couple of games?

So I guess this all favors PHI stealing a win vs. ORL as being more favorable to BOS.

[Phantom255x]

I'm surprised a lot of people prefer the Sixers but good points are being made. I believe even Sixers fans don't expect Embiid to play this series, or best case maybe he comes back around Games 6-7 if it goes that far.

[Celtics2021]

Regarding Embiid:

Surgery was April 9.  Typical recovery to a point of heavy activity is at least 2-4 weeks per the internet.  3 weeks is April 30.  April 19 (first game vs. BOS) would only be 10 days after surgery.  He could miss the whole series, depending on how many games.  And even if he does come back, what kind of shape will be be in for the first couple of games?

So I guess this all favors PHI stealing a win vs. ORL as being more favorable to BOS.

I cannot think of any way Embiid plays in this series, should it occur, aside from maybe a Game 7.  The limitation on physical exercise and exertion is to protect against the surgical wound from re-opening.  Even three weeks is really aggressive.  It is not about being in shape or pain tolerance, it is literally about protecting against a life-threatening injury.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I'm surprised a lot of people prefer the Sixers but good points are being made. I believe even Sixers fans don't expect Embiid to play this series, or best case maybe he comes back around Games 6-7 if it goes that far.

This may be more about the injury to Wagner and the general disrespect toward Vaughn than anything.