The 76ers maintained their one game lead over the Orlando Magic on Friday night, as they lost to the Dallas Mavericks by a final score of 111-102.

The Magic also lost their game on Friday, 111-102 to the visiting Washington Wizards.

But with the Nets defeating the New York Knicks, New Jersey is now just half a game behind Philadelphia for the 8th and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"We had an opportunity to pretty much secure our position and we didn't take advantage of that," said Aaron McKie of the 76ers. "The way I see it, it's going to come down to the last game. Every game counts."

The Nets are the playing the best basketball out of the three teams, winning 9 out of their last 11 games.