Win or go to the tournament is the position the Philadelphia 76ers are in on Friday night after a loss against the Houston Rockets.
After a disappointing two-game stretch in Texas, which included losses against the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets, the Sixers are one loss away from heading into the NBA Play-In Tournament.
On Friday morning, the NBA announced all postseason scenarios in play for the upcoming slate. In the Sixers’ case, they need two things to go their way.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
via NBA on X: Philadelphia is locked into the Play-In Tournament with a loss OR with wins by Toronto AND Atlanta
The Sixers already knew they needed to win as many games as possible during the final week to keep their hopes alive. But they also need to be rooting against the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks.
A Look At The Sixers-Pacers Matchup
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 3: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Nothing is guaranteed on any given night, but on paper, the Sixers are clearly much better than the Pacers this season.
Heading into the action, the Pacers hold a 19-61 record. They’ve won four of their last 10 games. At home, they have an 11-28 record.
Lately, the Sixers haven’t done too well for themselves. They are on a three-game losing streak, with just five wins over their last 10 games.
Fortunately, the 76ers have defeated the Pacers three times this year. They could complete a sweep for the first time since the Sixers did it in 2022-2023.
The 76ers and the Pacers are set for a 7:30 PM ET tip.
A Look At The Other Matchups
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 11, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The fifth-seeded Atlanta Hawks are going head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This season, the Cavs are 51-29 and finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks have the same record as the Raptors, who hold the tie-breaker between them.
The Raptors are taking on the New York Knicks on Friday night. That’s a challenging opponent for Toronto, as the Knicks are 52-28, placing third in the East.