We made it. There have been ups and downs, and not everyone has an appendix that started with one, but we have reached the final game of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. The entire Eastern Conference tips off at the same time this evening to allow for maximum suspense for different seeding permutations. If you’re reading a game preview for Game 82, I imagine you know the Sixers’ situation by now. Philadelphia needs to win and have both Orlando and Toronto lose to earn the sixth seed and avoid the Play-In.
If the Sixers win and one of those two other teams wins, they’ll be the seventh seed and host the 7-vs-8 game. If they lose OR both of those other teams win, they’ll be the eighth seed and on the road for that game. Of course, with Orlando playing Boston, who is sitting everyone, and Toronto facing Brooklyn, who is Brooklyn, things aren’t looking great for our 76ers in the seeding race.
First things first, though, the Sixers need to take care of business against the Bucks, a prospect that isn’t as formidable as past years. Milwaukee sits at 32-49, currently with the 10th highest draft lottery odds. This Bucks season could serve as a reminder to Sixers fans that weird stuff happens with other franchises too. Giannis Antetokounmpo and management have been engaged in the most passive-aggressive NBA feud I can recall; he hasn’t played since March 15. Doc Rivers is using “look at my resume” as a locker room motivational speech and openly opining to reporters about spending more time with his grandkids.
Meanwhile, the Sixers’ vibes roller coaster is at another trough following Joel Embiid’s appendectomy surgery. The likeliest scenario is we have seen Embiid on the court for the last time until the fall. He and Johni Broome are both out tonight, the only members of the Sixers to appear on the injury report. However, Tyrese Maxey’s pinky still looks like it’s bothering him to some extent. Aside from all the obvious benefits of avoiding the Play-In Tournament, getting Maxey an extra half week of rest would seemingly be very helpful. But again, it’s Boston’s C squad and the Nets we are counting on, so let’s not get carried away.
It’s possible that the Sixers only have three games remaining this season. Even if you’re in the camp of not thinking this game will matter much, just remember how late June feels when you’re jonesing just to watch G Leaguers and future Euro league guys wear glorified pinnies with Sixers written on them out in Vegas. Tyrese Maxey is still capable of brilliance with nine healthy fingers, Paul George has turned back the clock at least a couple years since coming back from suspension, and VJ Edgecombe can put a stamp on what has been an outstanding rookie season. Enjoy this somewhat important, but probably ultimately not super critical game, before the stakes kick up quite a few notches this upcoming week.
Game Details
When: Sunday, April 12, 6:00 PM ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
