76ers’ Adem Bona ready to step up in place of Joel Embiid vs. Magic

The No. 7-seeded Philadelphia 76ers are taking on the No. 8-seeded Orlando Magic in a Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday, with the winner securing a spot in the NBA Playoffs. Philly will be without Joel Embiid, but backup center Adem Bona is ready to step up for the Sixers in a crucial matchup.

While talking with media members hours before the 7:30 p.m. EST tip-off time, Bona admitted he feels excited about filling in as the 76ers’ starting center, according to Dave Uram of Sports Radio 94WIP. At 23 years old, the second-year pro wants to take advantage of this opportunity and prove himself at the NBA level.

“I feel really excited,” said Bona. “I’ve been zeroing in on the opportunity that I have, in terms of me being able to potentially be playing huge minutes in a play-in game. I think that’s really exciting as a year-two player. That’s a huge opportunity for me. Joel being out, it’s a next-man mentality. I’ve got to try to fill the void he’s left as much as possible and help the team perform.”

Sixers' second-year center Adem Bona will have to step up with Joel Embiid out: "I've been zeroing in on the opportunity that I have, in terms of me being able to potentially be playing huge minutes in a play-in game."

(via @MrUram) pic.twitter.com/ZmTN3rMGSj

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) April 15, 2026

Adem Bona played 71 games for the 76ers this season, serving as a consistent backup option in the front court. He plays more of a traditional center role, as Bona has only attempted six three-point attempts this season. This season, he is averaging 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per contest with a 59.5% shooting percentage.

Joel Embiid was ruled out of the Play-In Tournament game against the Magic after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix due to appendicitis. The seven-time All-Star does not have a set timetable to return for now as he continues to recover from the surgery.

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