The Philadelphia 76ers’ season just can’t seem to get on track. After a turbulent start, things are about to get even more complicated. On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey is expected to miss a couple of weeks due to a right hamstring injury. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark later confirmed the report, leaving Sixers fans wondering if the team’s early struggles are going to snowball even further.
Maxey’s Injury: A Huge Blow to Philly’s Offense
Maxey’s injury comes on the heels of another frustrating loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, where he was ruled out during the fourth quarter with what the team initially described as “right hamstring soreness.” Despite the early exit, Maxey’s impact on the floor has been undeniable. He’s been logging a league-high 39.7 minutes per game this season, putting up impressive numbers: 27.6 points, 3.9 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.
For a Sixers team that’s struggled to find offensive cohesion, Maxey has been one of the few bright spots. But now, with him sidelined, the Sixers will have to navigate the next couple of weeks without one of their most dynamic players. It’s a crucial stretch for a team that has already stumbled to a 1-6 record—tied for the worst start in the league.
Early Struggles for the Sixers
The absence of Maxey only adds to the Sixers’ growing list of concerns. Despite boasting one of the league’s best centers in Joel Embiid, Philly has found little success so far. The Sixers currently sit 26th in offensive rating and 28th in net rating. For a franchise that’s spent years building a “contender,” these are numbers that no one saw coming—especially given the talent on the roster.
If there’s any silver lining in this, it’s that Joel Embiid has yet to even take the floor this season due to suspension. The reigning MVP will miss two more games after receiving an NBA suspension for his role in an altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the locker room last week. Embiid’s return could help stabilize things, but with Maxey now on the shelf, the Sixers’ situation feels more dire by the day.
Who Steps Up?
So, who’s going to step up in Maxey’s absence? Head coach Nick Nurse will likely turn to rookie Jared McCain, who could see a significant increase in minutes. McCain has shown flashes of potential, but thrusting him into a starting role is a tall order for any rookie—especially with the Sixers in desperate need of a win.
Beyond McCain, the Sixers do have some veteran options on their roster, though none of them have been consistent enough to carry the load. Guards Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson will likely see more action. However, none of these players have the explosive scoring ability of Maxey, leaving the Sixers to lean heavily on Tobias Harris and hopefully Embiid when he returns.
What Does This Mean for the Sixers Moving Forward?
The loss of Maxey couldn’t come at a worse time. With the team already reeling, their upcoming schedule won’t offer much reprieve. Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers is the first of many challenges that await the Sixers without their star guard. If they want to avoid sinking even further into a hole, they’ll need to find a way to manufacture offense without Maxey’s scoring and playmaking.
But even with the injury bug hitting hard, the bigger picture remains: Philly has yet to find its rhythm this season. The Sixers’ early struggles raise more questions than answers, and Maxey’s absence only adds to the uncertainty. With the season just beginning to unfold, it’s hard not to wonder: *Can this team get healthy, or are the Sixers doomed to another season of frustration?*
Time will tell, but for now, it’s a waiting game—both for Maxey to heal and for the team to show they can weather this storm.
