The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Based on the standings, the 76ers’ matchup against the Thunder will be a tough battle, especially with some players being out due to injury, namely Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., Johni Broome, and Tyrese Maxey, with Dominick Barlow listed as doubtful.
In the case of Maxey, he is averaging 29.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game this season and is often carrying the team in the absence of key players like Embiid and Paul George. Some may wonder how the 76ers will perform in their upcoming game against the Thunder with Maxey being sidelined and when his possible return will be.
When Will Tyrese Maxey Return From His Finger Injury?
Considering how Maxey has played a pivotal role as the Sixers’ star guard, Philadelphia fans are now worried that they might not stand a chance against the defending champions, the Thunder.
According to sources, Maxey is projected for a three-week re-evaluation period that started on March 10. He previously injured himself during a loose-ball play with 16 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter in their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Maxey and Adem Bona both chased after the ball but unfortunately collided, causing an injury to the Sixers star’s right pinkie finger. He exited to the locker room in the closing seconds of the game and appeared to be in pain, holding his right hand.
Initial findings from X-rays and an MRI conducted shortly after Saturday’s game ruled out any fractures or broken bones. Sources confirmed that after Maxey consulted multiple hand specialists and underwent further imaging, doctors officially diagnosed him with a tendon injury in his right pinkie.
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Maxey has previously suffered a similar sprain to the same finger during the 2024–25 season, which led to him being sidelined for the remainder of the year.
If Maxey’s re-evaluation goes well, we could see him return for the last seven games of the regular season, starting early in April. His presence is much needed at the moment, especially with the clock winding down until the postseason.
The Sixers are currently sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 39-32 record. They’re currently tied with the sixth-placed Hawks (39-32). The goal for Philadelphia is to escape the Play-In Tournament and hopefully secure a spot in the playoffs within the top six seeds.
