The Philadelphia 76ers acquired extra unhealthy information this week as Tyrese Maxey is anticipated to overlook a minimum of two weeks with a hamstring damage.
This information comes proper because the Sixers have been anticipated to debut their new “Large 3” of Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George. What makes issues worse is that the Sixers are off to a league-worst 1-6 document to start out the season and wish to start out successful video games now.
Maxey has been the Sixers’ finest participant this season and the primary motive they have been in any respect aggressive with out Embiid and George within the lineup. Maxey was averaging a team- and career-high 27.6 factors this season, so his absence might be felt instantly.
For Sixers followers, that is simply one other piece of adverse information that has marred the beginning of their 2024-25 season.
This wasn’t how issues have been alleged to go. Getting into the season, hopes have been excessive after the Sixers gained the NBA offseason by grabbing George in free company, however from there, issues shortly turned darkish.
Embiid and George have been each unable to start out the season as a consequence of damage. Then, there was the NBA investigation and subsequent superb for his or her improper disclosing of these accidents. Then, Embiid acquired in an altercation with a Philadelphia reporter and was suspended. The cherry on high is their younger star, Maxey, who was alleged to be the regular drive protecting the shaky Sixers afloat, is now harm.
Ought to the Sixers panic? It could nonetheless be early within the season to enter full hysteria. Embiid is about to return subsequent week and George has appeared stable in his first two video games in a Sixers uniform.
On high of that, Maxey has a stable backup in veteran guard Kyle Lowry. Lowry has definitely declined in recent times however has an extended pedigree of being an elite NBA level guard. He ought to be capable of fill in for a few of Maxey’s manufacturing.
If Embiid returns wholesome and enjoying at an MVP degree, the Sixers can survive this Maxey damage. The Japanese Convention has been a traditionally simpler path in recent times, and though the Sixers presently sit on the backside, they need to be capable of climb their manner again into the playoff image.
