Philadelphia @ Orlando preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 24, 2018 ) Orlando 105, Philadelphia 116

The Philadelphia 76ers have reached the 40-win mark for the first time since 2010-11, and they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference when they visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Philadelphia is on track to make its first postseason appearance since 2012 as it stands 8 1/2 games clear of ninth-place Detroit with just 12 contests remaining.

The 76ers recorded their 40th victory when they knocked off Memphis 119-105 on Wednesday and need two more to clinch a .500 season for the first time since 2004-05, but coach Brett Brown really fancies a postseason run. "The notion of the playoffs for me doesn't make me do somersaults," Brown told reporters. "I want more. I really want more." Orlando is 1-2 on its seven-game homestand, and Tuesday's 93-86 loss to Toronto was its 14th in 17 contests. The Magic have scored 88 or fewer points in five of their last eight games, including a season-low 72 against San Antonio on March 13.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia Plus, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (40-30): All-Star Joel Embiid has been able to avoid injury setbacks and will play against Orlando in the second half of a back-to-back set. Embiid had been getting the second night off for most of the season after enduring foot and knee injuries during his brief NBA career, but he declared he no longer wants to be rested in those situations. "I'm playing in every game," Embiid told reporters. "We didn't come this far to rest me. I was always complaining about wanting to play every game and play in back-to-backs, and I'm sure the fans were too, and we're winning."

ABOUT THE MAGIC (21-50): Leading scorer Aaron Gordon (concussion) returned from a five-game absence on Tuesday to record 16 points and six rebounds. Gordon, who averages 18.2 points, played some minutes alongside rookie forward Jonathan Isaac for the one of the few times this season, and the first-round draft pick again displayed some promise with 10 points, five rebounds, a season-best five steals and two blocked shots against the Raptors. "Jon, his intangibles are amazing," Gordon told reporters. "His ability to get steals and deflect the ball help a ton. Having an elite defender out there is big time. He's just going to keep getting better and better."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers averaged 123 points while winning this season's first two meetings with the Magic.

2. Philadelphia F Robert Covington is 14-for-23 from 3-point range over his last four games.

3. Orlando SF Jonathon Simmons (wrist) is listed as doubtful after sitting out Tuesday's contest.

PREDICTION: 76ers 108, Magic 105