The Philadelphia 76ers are already missing one star without 2022-23 NBA MVP, Joel Embiid.
However, they will also be without guard Tyrese Maxey on Tuesday night, as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets in the final game of a brief road trip. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Maxey has returned to Philadelphia to be evaluated for concussion-like symptoms. Pompey adds that Maxey began experiencing symptoms within the past 24 hours.
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— Diamond Dog (@DiamondDogzzz) March 3, 2024
Tyrese Maxey May Miss Multiple Games with Concussion
Falling to the hardwood as he drove to the lane, Tyrese Maxey his head against Derrick Jones Jr.’s lower leg during the third quarter Sixers’ matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He was symptom-free during and following Sunday’s game. Nonetheless, it was clear immediately after the hit that he was shaken up by the collision.
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— Diamond Dog (@DiamondDogzzz) March 3, 2024
He could miss multiple games if diagnosed with a concussion.
Though there is no set recovery timetable for the head injury, there are several steps that Maxey would have to clear to return to game action, per NBA protocol. In addition, Maxey can’t participate in basketball activities until at least 48 hours after the diagnosis. As a result, it would be surprising to see him return before the end of this week. This season, 13 players have experienced concussion symptoms, missing a total of 31 games.
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Mar. 6 and the New Orleans Pelicans on Mar. 8.
Tyrese Maxey’s Importance to the Sixers
To be frank, the Philadelphia 76ers have been relatively healthy throughout the 2023-24 season. However, Joel Embiid’s absence led them to slip down the Eastern Conference standings. Now contending with Tyrese Maxey’s concussion, the Sixers could fall even further by the end of the week. Philadelphia, fifth in the East, is only 2.0 games ahead of the eighth-place Indiana Pacers.
Projected to be a finalist for the 2024 Most Improved Player award, Maxey is averaging 26.0 points and 6.3 assists per game. Those numbers alone signal his importance to their chances of winning. Yet, when considering that Maxey produces 16.0 points per game from assists and is subsequently responsible for 42.0 points per game, his impact is highlighted even more. More to the point, without Maxey or Embiid on the floor, the Sixers are facing hurdles that appear insurmountable.
Philadelphia may have a couple of surprise performances from key players though.
A vintage performance from 18-year veteran Kyle Lowry, who has emerged as a starter after signing with the team in February, could be on the horizon. High-energy wing Kelly Oubre Jr. averaged 20.3 points per game for the Charlotte Hornets last season. Buddy Hield is one of the best shooters in NBA history and averaged 17.8 points per game across the five seasons preceding 2023-24. The ever-underrated Tobias Harris has averaged 18.1 points per game over the past five seasons.
If they can get the best out of the supporting cast, the Sixers could prevent themselves from putting themselves in play-in contention rather than remaining in playoff contention.
