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Sixers-Magic preview: Ben Simmons-less Philly squad looks to avoid huge letdown

The Magic come to Philly with a seven-game losing streak.

Sixers guard Ben Simmons will miss the team’s game against the Magic on Saturday with left elbow swelling.
Sixers guard Ben Simmons will miss the team’s game against the Magic on Saturday with left elbow swelling.Read moreCHRIS SZAGOLA / AP

Orlando Magic (8-11) at 76ers (10-7)

Saturday at 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

This might be the perfect game for 76ers point guard Ben Simmons to sit out with swelling in his left elbow. The Magic extended their losing streak to seven straight games after Friday's 118-103 road setback to the Boston Celtics. The losing streak ties them with the Memphis Grizzlies for the league's current longest skid. Orlando has been outscored by an average of 14.5 points during the streak. On Friday, they surrendered 40 first-quarter points and 73 in the first half.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Magic  (8-11)

10 Evan Fournier SF 6-7 19.0 ppg 3.2 rpg.

00 Aaron Gordon PF 6-9 18.0  ppg. 8.1 rpg.

9 Nik Vucevic C 7-0 16.9  ppg. 7.8 rpg.

31 Terrence Ross SG 6-7 9.7 ppg. 3.4 rpg.

2  Elfrid Payton G 6-4 8.2 ppg. 7.1 apg.

Coach: Frank Vogel (8th season, 287-245)

Injury report:  Jonathan Isaac (sprained right ankle, out)

Sixers (10-7)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  16.1 ppg. 1.71 spg

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  9.6 ppg. 5.8 rpg.

21 Joel EmbiidC 7-2 22.7 ppg. 11.0 rpg.

17 JJ Redick SG 6-4  15.2 ppg. 3.7 apg.

12 T.J, McConnell PG 6-2 6.5 ppg. 5.3 apg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 85-260)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder scapular muscle imbalance, out); Justin Anderson (left shin splints, out); Nik Stauskas (sprained right ankle, out); Ben Simmons (swollen left elbow, out), Joel Embiid (cold, probable).

Head to head

The Magic have a 75-33 series advantage. They won three of last season's four meetings.

Coming games

Monday:  7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sixers

Wednesday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Washington Wizards vs. Sixers

Thursday:  7:30 p.m., at TD Garden, Sixers vs. Boston Celtics

Dec. 2: 7:30 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Detroit Pistons vs. Sixers

Dec. 4: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Phoenix Suns vs. Sixers