The Philadelphia 76ers have been without star guard Tyrese Maxey for nearly three weeks with a finger injury.
However, in the lead-up to the 76ers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced news that could signal an imminent return.
According to the latest injury report, Maxey has been upgraded from out to questionable for the Saturday night game, a big step in a potential return from injury.
Philadelphia 76ers Announce Tyrese Maxey Injury Update
Maxey is officially listed as questionable for Philadelphia’s next game against the red-hot Hornets.
The news was first reported by Austin Krell of Sports Illustrated, coming after the 76ers released an updated injury report on Friday afternoon.
“Sixers have listed Tyrese Maxey (tendon strain, finger) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) as QUESTIONABLE on the injury report for tomorrow’s game vs Charlotte. Joel Embiid is not listed and will play,” he wrote on X.
https://twitter.com/NBAKrell/status/2037636401857024047
While Maxey’s official status for the game is still uncertain, it’s a big step considering the time he’s missed with the finger injury. Officially listed as a right finger tendon strain, the star hasn’t played since March 7, and is at risk of missing out on the NBA’s end-of-season awards with just 61 games played so far this year.
However, according to Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, all recent injury updates have been positive.
“Nick Nurse says Maxey has been “a lot more involved” over the last 48 hours and notes he has been very diligent about keeping his conditioning up while out with the hand injury,” Kyle Neubeck wrote on X.
In those 61 games this season, Maxey is averaging 29 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on 46.1% shooting. He was previously a shoo-in for All-NBA, but until he gets back on the court, his status for one of the league’s top honors is still undecided.
Maxey has the chance to return to action on Saturday.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report Vs Charlotte Hornets
Along with upgrading Maxey, the 76ers also listed Kelly Oubre Jr. as questionable.
The forward has missed more than two weeks with an elbow injury, but as the player announced himself, he is ramping up for a return.
“I feel ready to play basketball,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m breaking news, but I’m playing tomorrow.”
https://twitter.com/DerekBodnerNBA/status/2037566209445548308
Oubre has been a key piece for this Sixers team when healthy, averaging 14.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 41 games this season.
The 76ers also have rookie Johni Broome listed as out against Charlotte, as he is recovering from knee surgery, but has a chance to return for the playoffs.
Additionally, as Krell reported, Joel Embiid is not listed on the team’s injury report and is set to play Saturday against the Hornets. He had previously missed a month with an oblique injury. In his return against the Chicago Bulls, the former MVP center finished with 35 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Paul George also recently returned from his 25 game suspension and currently has no injury designation.
Still, potentially getting Maxey back is big news for Philadelphia. They currently sit seventh in the East standings at 40-33, but after their stellar start to the season, they have hopes of making a run in the playoffs. Having Maxey healthy will play a major factor in how long the Sixers can keep playing basketball into April and May.
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