Sixers star Tyrese Maxey underwent X-rays after hurting his right hand in a collision with teammate Adem Bona late in Saturday’s game (Twitter video link).
Sources told Tony Jones of The Athletic that there was nothing conclusive in the imaging and additional tests on Maxey’s finger will be conducted on Sunday (Twitter link). Jones adds that Maxey didn’t have a wrap on his hand after the game and appeared to be “in good spirits” (Twitter link).
Losing Maxey for any length of time would be devastating for Philadelphia, which dropped into eighth place in the East with tonight’s loss at Atlanta. The Sixers are only a half-game away from sixth place and an automatic playoff spot, but they’re also just one-and-a-half games ahead of the Hawks and two-and-a-half in front of the Hornets.
Maxey, who’s coming off his second All-Star appearance, is in the midst of his best season. He’s posting career highs with 28.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 46% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. He’s also leading the league in minutes at 38.3 per night and has been a steady presence for a team that’s been plagued by injuries and other issues throughout the season.
Joel Embiid missed his fourth straight game tonight, and his ninth of the last 11, due to a strained right oblique. He won’t be reevaluated for several more days and is expected to remain sidelined at least through Thursday.
Kelly Oubre Jr. was able to return tonight after sitting out two games with an illness, but rookie guard VJ Edgecombe missed his second straight game with a lumbar contusion. Paul George is still serving a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy and can’t return until March 25.