Tyrese Maxey Sidelined Again, Sixers Hope for Return Soon Amid Illness
As the Philadelphia 76ers geared up to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night, they did so without their rising star in the backcourt. Tyrese Maxey missed his second straight game due to an illness, and while it’s not a long-term injury, there’s no denying how much his absence is felt on both ends of the floor.
Maxey has been nothing short of electric this season. Through the first 23 games, he’s been averaging 31.5 points per game while logging nearly 40 minutes a night - a workload that speaks volumes about how much head coach Nick Nurse relies on him. He’s not just the Sixers’ leading scorer; he’s become the emotional engine of the team, setting the tone with his relentless energy and leadership.
Before tip-off in Atlanta, Nurse didn’t sugarcoat the concern around Maxey’s status.
“We’re super concerned,” Nurse said. “We’re concerned because he’s sick and he wasn’t well enough to get on the floor here for a couple games. After Friday’s game, we thought he’d be at the plane to come with us, but didn’t make it.”
It’s clear this isn’t just a case of the sniffles. Maxey was expected to travel with the team but ultimately stayed back, still not feeling well enough to join the squad.
That said, there’s optimism brewing. Nurse mentioned he spoke with Maxey on Saturday night, and the 6th-year guard sounded like he’s turning the corner.
“I talked to him last night and he said he’d see me at practice Tuesday,” Nurse added. “I said I’m not sure we’re practicing Tuesday, but I’ll be there.
Me and you, man. I’ll see you there.
It’s been a bit, but yeah. It is concerning, but again, he’s improving.”
That kind of exchange speaks to the strong relationship between Nurse and Maxey - a coach and player clearly on the same page, both eager to get back to work. And while it’s still unclear if Maxey will be ready for the Sixers’ next game, the signs are pointing in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are still without Kelly Oubre Jr., who remains sidelined after suffering an injury back on November 14 against the Pistons. There’s been no concrete timeline for his return, but Nurse did offer a small update.
“Again, he's out there walking around a bit,” Nurse said. “He's on the court a bit.
There looks like some progress there. Just like you, I want him out there ASAP.”
Oubre’s versatility and two-way presence have been missed, especially with Maxey out. He’s one of those glue guys who can slide into multiple roles, and getting him back would give the Sixers some much-needed depth and flexibility.
The good news for Philly? After Sunday’s matchup in Atlanta, the Sixers get a four-day break before heading to New York to face the Knicks on Friday. That window could be just what Maxey - and possibly Oubre - need to get back in uniform.
For now, the Sixers will keep grinding, but there’s no doubt they’re counting the days until their dynamic guard is back in action.