Embiid, who has played only nine games since returning from left knee surgery, is listed as probable for the meeting with the Pacers. The former MVP continues to work his way back into rhythm as he adjusts to his minute-management plan.

Maxey initially shared the same probable designation, but he has since been downgraded to questionable due to illness. According to NBA Underdog, he has now been ruled out, leaving Philadelphia in a difficult position given how essential he has been to their offensive structure.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has benefited from having his dynamic guard on the floor throughout the NBA season, which has allowed him to be cautious with Embiid’s playing time and overall workload as the big man continues his recovery.

The difference in consistency between Embiid and Maxey

After the Sixers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, when Embiid shot 4-for-21 from the field, the former NBA MVP noted that the next major step in his knee-management program would be playing twice within a three-day span.

The Sixers had four days off following that defeat to the Lakers, and after Friday’s game against the Pacers, they will prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday before another four-day break.

Maxey, who leads the NBA in both total minutes and minutes per game, is the only member of the 76ers to appear in every contest this season. He has been listed on the injury report twice, both in late November, but did not miss time on either occasion as he continues to prove his durability.

Maxey is listed as probable for Thursday’s game against the Bucks with a right quadriceps contusion. The guard is a bit banged up entering the second leg of a back-to-back, but the expectation is that he will push through it. During the 76ers’ 121–112 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday, he once again took on a heavy workload.

In that matchup against Toronto, Maxey delivered another standout performance. He finished with 24 points (8-14 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine assists, two rebounds, three steals, and one block across 39 minutes, reinforcing the level he has maintained throughout what is becoming a breakout season.

The 76ers need him more than ever, especially with Joel Embiid ruled out and Paul George trending toward questionable status. Philadelphia enters this matchup with hope that Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain unavailable, but even then, Maxey is the centerpiece of the offense in just his second full season as the franchise’s No. 1 option.

The teammates who stepped up alongside Maxey

Maxey did not carry the entire load alone against Toronto. Several teammates delivered strong numbers, most notably rookie revelation VJ Edgecombe, who posted 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Quentin Grimes added 21 points off the bench, while Andre Drummond contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds. Trendon Watford added nine points, and Jabari Walker finished with nine points and nine rebounds.

Paul George’s full confidence in Maxey

The 76ers have been treading water this season with Embiid, George, and others missing time, but Maxey has been the franchise’s most reliable force. George recently offered high praise for the young guard and the way he has embraced responsibility.

“He’s special,” George told Tony Jones of The Athletic. “I thought he had a phenomenal year last season, but it got lost in the season we had as a team. Because of that, people didn’t really talk about him heading into this year. But when you watch him take over games and get us timely buckets, it’s special to see. We’re asking him to do so much. We’re asking him to play a ton of minutes, and he’s delivering.”

“He’s the heart and soul of this team. This is similar to what Allen Iverson once did for the city. He’s our battery, and we’re witnessing one of them ones.” Maxey has appeared in all 14 games and is leading the NBA at 40.3 minutes per night while averaging 31.9 points, 7.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from deep.

The NBA is stacked with offensive firepower these days, and during an appearance on The Deep 3 podcast, Maxey was asked to name the toughest players to guard at each position. While there’s always room for a surprise pick, the 76ers’ guard largely stuck with the league’s elite.

At point guard, Maxey went with Stephen Curry, whose shooting range and constant off-ball movement have tormented defenders for over a decade. For shooting guard, he selected Anthony Edwards, giving the young Minnesota Timberwolves star high praise for his explosive scoring ability and recent performances.

Maxey also made room for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the combo guard category, recognizing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s MVP-caliber star as one of the toughest covers in the game. At small forward, the 24-year-old picked Kevin Durant, noting the unique challenge of trying to defend a seven-footer with guard-like skills. “I may say KD,” Maxey said. “He’s 7-foot… You pressure him, you do all those things, and it’s like, okay, he shoots over me. This time he might miss, but the next time, he makes it.”

For power forward, Maxey chose Giannis Antetokounmpo. He recalled how his head coach, Nick Nurse, famously used the “Wall defense” during the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run to slow Giannis down — a tactic that isn’t quite as effective anymore. “Nick Nurse has this wall defense that he created for Giannis, and sometimes you’re there, and Giannis really doesn’t care,” Maxey said. “Coach is like, ‘Are you in the wall?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, coach, but the elbow kind of came through, and I thought about it.’”

At center, Maxey gave the nod to his own teammate, Joel Embiid. But if he had to pick someone else, he’d go with Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ two-time MVP. “If not Joel, I gotta say Jokic just because he is their offense,” Maxey explained. “When he’s off the court, their offense is totally different. When he gets the ball at the mid-post, and they’re cutting and doing all those different things, we gotta worry about them cutting, we gotta worry about them screening.”

“Then, we also gotta worry about him trying to back down whoever’s guarding him and shooting the jump hook,” Maxey continued. “You don’t want to trap him because he can pass, but you don’t want to not trap him because he can get 40. And we have a guy on our team who does the same stuff as well — and you better trap him because he will get 50.”

The list Maxey put together is a who’s who of NBA offensive superstars, players fully capable of dropping 40 or 50 points on any given night. It’s a collection of talent that defines the modern game’s offensive explosion.

Still, one name missing from his list stood out — LeBron James. Considering the Los Angeles Lakers’ legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, leaving him off any “toughest to guard” list is rare and will no doubt spark conversation among fans.

“After the workout, Chris Johnson always wants us to do like three dunks. So, I’m like, ‘All right, I get mine, I finish mine. I do my three dunks first.’ And then I see Bron, and he’s like, ‘Throw it up. Throw it up.’ I’m like, ‘No, you don’t got it no more.’ I tried to throw him a lob like close to the rim so he could just put the ball in there. No, he still wants to cock it back and dunk. I’m like, man, he’s crazy!,” Tyrese Maxey revealed, via Deep 3 podcast.

Despite not being a regular All-Star, Tyrese Maxey was called to the game during the 2023-24 season after establishing himself as an offensive force with the Philadelphia 76ers. There, he shared the spotlight with LeBron James, who, unlike Maxey, has been invited to the All-Star Game for 21 consecutive years.

Even though LeBron James is 16 years older, he posted an impressive offensive average of 24.4 points per game this past season, coming close to Tyrese Maxey’s 26.3 points per game. Not only did Tyrese Maxey praise LeBron’s relentless competitiveness, but Richard Jefferson also highlighted how he demands 100% effort from his teammates, even during training sessions.

LeBron James’ relentless competitiveness has fueled his path to four NBA championships

LeBron James, unlike legends such as Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, has not spent the entirety of his career with a single franchise. Instead, he etched his name in the annals of three NBA teams: the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. His competitive spirit and unparalleled talent enabled him to secure championships with each team, leaving an indelible legacy wherever he played.

Despite having cemented his place in the GOAT debate alongside Jordan, the Lakers’ veteran remains relentlessly driven. As he prepares to embark on his 23rd season, LeBron’s eyes are set on clinching a fifth championship to solidify his standing as one of the era’s most formidable players. To bolster his quest for another title, Rob Pelinka has reinforced the roster by acquiring Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, significantly enhancing the team’s championship prospects.

As the 76ers look to rebound after a challenging season marked by injuries, including Embiid’s knee recovery, they have been a focal point of offseason discussions. With several eye-catching rumors and strategic additions, they’re positioning themselves for a strong comeback.

In this context, the signing of Dominick Barlow represents a step forward for the Sixers as they strive for success in the upcoming campaign. The anticipation among the fan base is palpable as they eagerly await witnessing a formidable team ready to contend for the NBA championship next season.

“Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed Dominick Barlow to a two-way contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed,” the Sixers stated on their website on Wednesday about new Maxey‘s teammate.

Barlow’s performance last season

As the latest addition to the Sixers, new Maxey’s teammate joins the team following a challenging 2024-25 season. Barlow’s statistics reveal that he averaged 4.2 points on 53.1% shooting, along with 2.4 rebounds during an average of 10.7 minutes over 35 games, including one start with the Hawks.

These figures have sparked some concerns among the Sixers’ fan base, who have expressed apprehension about his acquisition. Nevertheless, Barlow remains a promising prospect in the NBA, as it was when playing for the Spurs, attributed to his youth and defensive potential, which could be further unleashed in the upcoming season.

Sixers reportedly waive a player

According to NBA insider Mike A. Scotto, the Sixers have reportedly waived a player who appeared in 14 games after joining midseason from the Oklahoma City Thunder. “The Philadelphia 76ers are waiving two-way forward Alex Reese,” Scotto disclosed on his X account.

Reese struggled to make a significant impact during his limited appearances, and the Sixers are reportedly showing a clear intention to address the gaps left by some underwhelming performances last season.

As the offseason stirs up discussions about player movements, the Sixers have already initiated critical actions and are poised to make further strategic moves. Their primary aim is to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season and secure their place in the playoffs.

The Sixers remain optimistic about Embiid’s full recovery following the knee injury that hampered his previous season. They also reportedly anticipate that Maxey will continue to perform at the high level he displayed during the initial part of the last regular season, which inspired hope among the team and its supporters.

Rumors have surfaced that the Sixers are reportedly considering retaining Quentin Grimes on their roster for the next season. According to a report from The Athletic, “League sources are confident that the Sixers and Grimes will find a way to come to terms, even if Sixers fans have grown a bit antsy waiting for a resolution, and even if the market has ground to a halt.”

Also, the report suggests that the Sixers are attempting to place Grimes in a virtually non-existent restricted free agency market to maximize their potential return. While they are keen on retaining him, they remain open to evaluating attractive offers.

The Athletic further reports, “Grimes and his team are seeking a significant payout, and the Sixers are content to sit back and let the market unfold.” This approach reflects the Sixers’ understanding of the market dynamics.

According to The Athletic, the Sixers seem to be bidding against themselves due to the market’s scarcity of cap space. “There is almost no cap space on the market, and that puts the Sixers in a position where they are bidding against themselves,” as reported.

Although Grimes did not have an outstanding season, the Sixers are positioning him strategically, recognizing his potential contribution for the upcoming season. Despite limited appearances, his stats were solid, averaging 21.9 points across 28 appearances, a performance that the Sixers are certainly taking into consideration.

Analyzing the Sixers’ performance last season reveals glaring deficiencies, particularly within the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia concluded the season ranked 26th in the league standings, posting a 24-58 record. This subpar showing was underscored by the fact that only three players managed to average over 20 points per game, a disappointing outcome given the team’s on-paper talent.

Joel Embiid, despite making limited appearances, showcased his potential impact on the court. Playing in just 19 of the regular 82 games, he averaged 30 minutes and delivered 23.8 points per game. These statistics suggest that, with injury setbacks behind him, Embiid has the capacity to significantly elevate the Sixers’ performance in the upcoming season.

The front office appears to echo this sentiment. The Stein Line reported that the team is planning to operate near, or potentially above, the NBA’s second salary cap apron in preparation for another competitive push. “The Sixers expect to give Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey another shot to contend for a championship,” according to sources cited by The Stein Line.

Rumors surrounding Paul George’s potential exit from the Sixers

The 76ers are amid swirling speculation regarding the future of star player Paul George. While reports indicate the team’s key trio, George, Embiid, and Maxey, is slated to remain intact, a potential move to the Utah Jazz has emerged as a point of interest. According to The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen, George is being targeted by the Jazz to enhance their roster for the upcoming season.

“The Jazz and 76ers have discussed a trade that would send Paul George to Utah,” Larsen reported. Given these developments, fans and analysts alike will have to wait for formal announcements to understand what lies next for George’s journey in the league.

Impact of Embiid, George, and Maxey in the 76ers

In examining the contributions of the Sixers’ star trio over the past season, it’s evident that their individual performances left a mark, despite limited time on the court together. The combination of Embiid, George, and Maxey played only 15 games together during the 2024-2025 campaign, finishing with a record of 7-8 in those matchups. Here are their season totals, reflecting individual game participation rather than collective appearances:

• Total Games Played (GP): Paul George (41) + Joel Embiid (19) + Tyrese Maxey (52) = 112 games
• Total Points (PTS): George contributed approximately 664.2 points, Embiid 452.2, and Maxey 1367.6, totaling 2484 points.
• Total Rebounds (REB): George’s 217.3, Embiid’s 155.8, and Maxey’s 171.6 rebounds accumulated roughly to 544.7.
• Total Assists (AST): The trio amassed approximately 579 assists, with individual contributions from George (176.3), Embiid (85.5), and Maxey (317.2).
• Total Steals (STL): They recorded around 180.7 steals collectively, with George adding 73.8, Embiid 13.3, and Maxey 93.6.
• Total Blocks (BLK): Together, they blocked approximately 58.4 shots, with George accounting for 20.5, Embiid 17.1, and Maxey 20.8.

In light of their struggles, George revealed his offseason plan to forge better chemistry and strengthen his bond with Embiid and Maxey ahead of the next NBA season.

The Sixers forward emphasized the importance of spending more time together during the offseason. “I think that’s very important,” George told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “We’ve already talked about seeing each other, where we’re going to be this summer. So we’ve already had those conversations about connecting once the season’s over”.

He added, “I think it’s very important. I don’t think it’s healthy to go two, three months before seeing each other, regardless of if we’re checking in over the phone. It’s just different seeing each other”.

The Philly Big 3 played only 15 games together during the regular season. That lack of time on the court contributed to their inability to build cohesion, reflected in a disappointing 7-8 record in those games.

The Philly Big 3’s struggles

The Sixers faced significant challenges due to injuries to their star trio. Embiid missed most of the NBA season with persistent left knee issues, limiting him to just 19 games. Despite his limited availability, the big man still posted solid numbers, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

George, meanwhile, underperformed before being sidelined in March with groin and knee injuries. In 41 games, he averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists—well below expectations for a player of his caliber.

Maxey, the youngest member of the trio, was the team’s most consistent performer. The 24-year-old guard set a career-high in scoring, averaging 26.3 points per game, along with 3.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists, in 51 games.

Maxey endorses George’s plan

Maxey, who emerged as the standout player among the trio, agreed with George’s approach and stressed the importance of starting next season on the right foot.

“I think hopefully everybody can get healthy, everybody can be ready for the start of training camp next year,” Maxey said. “Whenever the case may be, get guys together in the summertime, spend time with each other, and try to hit the ground running and get a good start next year”.

Following the 76ers’ narrow 137-134 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Maxey addressed reporters and expressed his contentment with the situation. “I’m happy actually,” Maxey said, via Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. “I have a lot of connections with the people who made it… It doesn’t upset me at all. I’m more focused on trying to help this team win and get better, that’s the biggest focus I’ve had these last couple of weeks. I think we’ve done a good job of it.”

Maxey has been phenomenal this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 33.7% from beyond the arc. His stellar performance comes as the 76ers navigate through a challenging season marred by injuries, striving to find their rhythm and cohesion as a team. The absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid has disrupted the team’s dynamic, preventing the trio from showcasing their full potential on the court consistently.

Who are the “old friends” Maxey is cheering for?

The fifth-year guard out of Kentucky didn’t just stop at expressing his happiness. He went on to name several first-time NBA All-Stars, including Cleveland’s Darius Garland, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham (a fellow Dallas native), and Miami’s Tyler Herro, another Kentucky alum.

“Darius Garland, I’m so happy he made it,” Maxey said. “He deserves it, man. He had a lot of adversity last year that he went through and overcame, leading his team to a one-seed. I’m happy for him. Cade’s from Dallas, played a lot against him when I was younger. Extremely happy for him, first-time All-Star, making Dallas look really good. Tyler Herro, former Kentucky guard. Everybody deserves it.”

Maxey‘s reaction highlights a shift in the NBA landscape, where a new generation of young, talented players is emerging and making their mark. While this may not have been Maxey’s year, his consistent performance suggests that his All-Star moment is on the horizon.

Since January 6, Maxey has been on a scoring tear, putting up at least 28 points in 13 consecutive games, including two 40-point performances in the team’s last three outings. His relentless drive and impressive stats make it clear that his time in the NBA All-Star spotlight is just a matter of when, not if.

“He’s pretty good. He’s pretty good, man,” Maxey began during his post-game press conference when asked about Jokic. His comment elicited chuckles from the reporters, prompting the 76ers’ guard to continue, “It’s just, like, he’s so smart.”

Maxey was clearly impressed by Jokic’s performance, particularly in the final minutes when the Serbian center led a late-game surge to turn the tide. With 11 crucial points down the stretch, including two three-pointers, he helped secure a valuable win for the Nuggets, overcoming a 128-125 deficit that Philadelphia had held.

“Sometimes you gotta tip your hat to a guy, and he made some big plays at the end of that game,” said Maxey, whose impressive 42-point, 9-assist performance wasn’t enough to lift the Sixers to victory. Maxey kept his team competitive despite the absence of both Embiid and Paul George.

Maxey offers an unexpected comparison

At the same press conference, Maxey went on to heap more praise on Jokic. “He’s really good,” the guard said before offering a comparison to Embiid. “Everybody should really pay attention to what he’s doing. Same thing with Joel,” he explained.

“Like, when he’s playing, as a fan of basketball, you really gotta cherish these moments,” Maxey added, clearly in awe of Jokic, not just as a competitor, but also as a fan of the game.

Embiid’s struggles vs Jokic’s brilliance

Despite Tyrese Maxey’s praise, Joel Embiid’s current season is far from matching up to Jokic’s level. The Cameroonian center has dealt with a variety of injuries and issues that have kept him sidelined for significant stretches of the campaign.

Of the 47 games played by the 76ers this season, Embiid has missed 34. His absence has significantly impacted the team, preventing them from meeting expectations and establishing themselves as a solid contender in the playoff race.

In contrast, Jokic has continued to perform at an elite level. Under the Serbian center’s leadership, the Nuggets have found consistency after a rocky start to the season. With a 29-19 record, Denver sits in fourth place in the Western Conference and is poised for a deep playoff run.

In 2025, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey offered his candid perspective on the ongoing debate over basketball’s greatest player of all time. His comments came amid continued discussions surrounding the legacies of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, a topic that sparks heated conversations among fans and analysts alike. Rather than fueling the divisive debate, Maxey’s remarks provided a refreshing perspective, one rooted in respect for both icons.

76ers’ Maxey stated, “He’s the greatest ever, him and Jordan are right there neck and neck. What (LeBron) has done for our game has been amazing.” With this remark, he did not only recognized the incredible achievements of LeBron James but also placed him on a comparable pedestal with Michael Jordan.

Tyrese Maxey believes both players have redefined the game in their own unique ways, making it difficult to declare a single ‘greatest’ without recognizing the immense contributions of each. Looking ahead, Maxey’s honest take resonates with many in the basketball community who believe that the impact of a player goes beyond statistics and championships.

His balanced view encourages a broader appreciation for the evolution of the game, celebrating the transformative eras led by both Jordan and LeBron. As 2025 unfolds, Tyrese Maxey has established himself as one of the best players of his team averaging 27.1 points and 6 assists per game this season.

What do the Philadelphia 76ers need to secure an NBA playoff spot?

If the Philadelphia 76ers hope to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs, they will need consistent production from their core players, including Tyrese Maxey, who has been delivering at an elite level, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Just as crucial is keeping key players healthy and at full strength, as the team relies on a balanced offense and strong defense to close out tight games.

Additionally, the 76ers will need their rotation players to step up, providing meaningful contributions across the roster while helping to minimize the risk of injuries that could derail their postseason push. With Tyrese Maxey leading the charge and the defense performing at a high level, Philadelphia has a strong chance to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs.