The Philadelphia 76ers acquired extra dangerous information this week as Tyrese Maxey is anticipated to overlook not less than two weeks with a hamstring harm.
This information comes proper because the Sixers have been anticipated to debut their new “Massive 3” of Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George. What makes issues worse is that the Sixers are off to a league-worst 1-6 report to start out the season and wish to start out profitable 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 shall be felt instantly.
For Sixers followers, that is simply one other piece of damaging information that has marred the beginning of their 2024-25 season.
This wasn’t how issues have been speculated to go. Coming 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 because of harm. 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 prime is their younger star, Maxey, who was speculated to be the regular pressure holding the shaky Sixers afloat, is now harm.
Ought to the Sixers panic? It might nonetheless be early within the season to enter full hysteria. Embiid is ready to return subsequent week and George has seemed strong in his first two video games in a Sixers uniform.
On prime of that, Maxey has a strong backup in veteran guard Kyle Lowry. Lowry has definitely declined lately 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 stage, the Sixers can survive this Maxey harm. The Japanese Convention has been a traditionally simpler path lately, and though the Sixers at present sit on the backside, they need to be capable of climb their manner again into the playoff image.