The Philadelphia 76ers have finalized their summer league roster following the NBA draft, where they secured VJ Edgecombe as the No. 3 overall pick and Johni Broome at No. 35, alongside undrafted player Hunter Sallis on a two-way deal.

As the team prepares for the summer league, starting July 5 against the Utah Jazz, all eyes are on rookies Edgecombe, Broome, and Sallis, while veterans like Justin Edwards and Adem Bona are expected to guide them. Unfortunately, Jared McCain, recovering from meniscus surgery, will miss the summer league, focusing instead on rehabilitation for a full return in October.

The Orlando Magic are facing frontcourt challenges in the 2025 NBA playoffs, exacerbated by the absence of backup center Mo Wagner due to an ACL injury. This has led to speculation about potential trades, with a proposal involving Anthony Black going to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. Although Williams boasts impressive stats, averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, his injury history raises concerns.

Williams was previously linked to a trade with the Lakers before failing a physical, leading analysts to ponder whether his potential outweighs his health risks. The Magic could benefit significantly from his talent, as they require depth in their frontcourt to improve their postseason performance.

Orlando Magic seized an early lead against the Boston Celtics, finishing the first quarter 31-27, propelled by Paolo Banchero's 13 points. Orlando's defense was pivotal, especially during a 12-0 run late in the quarter. Anthony Black contributed off the bench, showcasing his skills with a steal and a subsequent alley-oop dunk. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum, initially questionable due to a wrist injury, returned to play effectively, scoring 13 points for the Celtics. However, Boston faced a setback with Jrue Holiday sidelined due to a hamstring strain.

The Magic displayed improvement in Game 2 but ultimately fell short as the Celtics’ depth shone through, led by Jaylen Brown's 36-point performance. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points, while Payton Pritchard came off the bench to contribute 14. The Celtics’ defensive strategies disrupted Orlando’s rhythm, forcing them to rely heavily on their star players, particularly Banchero and Franz Wagner, who need support from their role players to stay competitive.

Paolo Banchero, despite underwhelming shooting stats, made a significant impact in the Orlando Magic's Play-In Tournament win against the Atlanta Hawks, contributing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His ability to facilitate and draw fouls helped the Magic secure a 120-95 victory, earning them the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Notably, Banchero set the tone early, leading his team to a 32-17 first-quarter edge without making a field goal, finding teammates like Cole Anthony and Anthony Black for open looks. Coach Jamahl Mosley praised Banchero's playmaking and defensive efforts, highlighting the unseen elements that contributed to the team's success.

Cole Anthony emerged as a pivotal figure off the bench, scoring 26 points and dishing out six assists, leading the Orlando Magic to a decisive 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA play-in tournament. Paolo Banchero contributed significantly with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points and seven rebounds. The Magic, who finished the regular season at 41-41, have secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the Boston Celtics in the playoff's first round.

In contrast, the Hawks struggled to maintain momentum, with Trae Young scoring 28 points before receiving two technical fouls, resulting in an ejection with just under five minutes left in the game. Despite having reached the playoffs through the play-in scenario in two of the last three seasons, Atlanta now faces a must-win situation at home against the winner of the matchup between the Bulls and the Heat to clinch the eighth playoff seed.