BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey will be sidelined for at least the team’s next two games after suffering a sprain to his right pinkie finger, the organization confirmed Sunday, while additional medical evaluations are scheduled to determine the full extent of the injury and how long he may remain out of the lineup.
The injury occurred late in Saturday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, a game that ended in a 126–116 defeat for Philadelphia. With only 16 seconds remaining on the clock, Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona while both players attempted to secure a loose ball near midcourt. In the immediate aftermath of the collision, Maxey was seen clutching his right hand in discomfort.
He remained on the floor momentarily before making his way to the bench, where medical staff quickly examined his hand. Following the game, head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Maxey would undergo X-rays as part of an initial evaluation.
On Sunday, the team announced that while the injury has been diagnosed as a sprain to the guard’s right pinkie finger, further testing will be conducted in order to assess the severity and determine the best course of treatment. Team officials indicated that a clearer timeline for Maxey’s return would not be available until those additional examinations are completed and reviewed.
For now, the 76ers have ruled him out of at least their next two scheduled contests: a road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night and a home matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
The team said it plans to consult with Maxey and its medical staff after the new test results are finalized in order to establish a treatment plan. Philadelphia also stated that it will not issue any further updates regarding his status until those two games have been played.
Maxey’s absence represents a significant setback for the 76ers as they continue to fight for positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The 23-year-old guard has been the driving force behind much of Philadelphia’s offense this season and has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.
Before suffering the injury on Saturday, Maxey had delivered another standout performance, finishing with a team-high 31 points against Atlanta. His scoring helped keep the 76ers competitive for much of the game, though the Hawks eventually pulled away late to secure the victory.
Maxey has been one of the NBA’s most productive players throughout the season. He currently leads the 76ers in scoring with an average of 29 points per game, a figure that places him fourth among all players in the league. In addition to his scoring output, Maxey has contributed significantly as a playmaker and defender, averaging 6.7 assists and two steals per contest.
His consistent production earned him a second career selection to the NBA All-Star Game earlier this season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s rising stars.
Philadelphia’s coaching staff will now need to adjust its rotation in Maxey’s absence as the team navigates a critical stretch of the schedule. With the postseason approaching, every game carries increased importance for a team trying to secure a favorable playoff position.
The 76ers entered Sunday with a record of 34–29, placing them eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. They hold a narrow advantage of one and a half games over the ninth-place Atlanta Hawks, the same team responsible for their latest defeat.
Maintaining that lead could become more challenging without Maxey on the court, particularly against strong opponents such as Cleveland and Memphis. Both games represent important opportunities for Philadelphia to stabilize its standing as the playoff race intensifies.
For Maxey, the coming days will focus on determining whether the injury requires extended rest or a more structured recovery plan. While finger sprains can vary widely in severity, the team’s decision to conduct additional tests suggests caution as it seeks to protect one of its most valuable players.
The 76ers and their fans will be waiting anxiously for further updates, hoping that the injury proves minor and that Maxey can return to the lineup soon as the team pushes toward the postseason.