Why didn’t 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey play against the Nets?

The Sixers are well on course for a playoff spot but with the Pacers breathing down their neck, a slip or two can cost the Philadelphia-based franchise. While Joel Embiid’s injury was a hammer blow to the Sixers, some more dark clouds have now gathered over the situation with Tyrese Maxey.

Tyrese Maxey’s absence leaves 76ers without a reliable ball-handler and with Cam Payne returning in the line-up, the void is somewhat filled. But now when the teams focus is on multiple shooters around the rim, the lack of capable shooters can hurt the Sixers in their Championship hunt. Hence, Maxey’s unavailability has raised understandable alarm bells.

Concussion protocol kept Tyrese Maxey out vs Nets

As per announcement made by the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, their star guard Tyrese Maxey missed the game against the Brooklyn Nets due to NBA’s concussion protocol.

During the third quarter of his last game against the Dallas Mavericks, Maxey bumped his head on Derrick Jones Jr.’s knee. The back of his head hit the forward’s knee and remained on the court for a while before he left the game.

After being assessed by the physicians, he came back and won the game by 120-116 scoring 24 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in the 39 minutes he played. Postgame he was re-examined by the doctors, but no signs of concussion were found.

Things took a turn for the bad afterwards as he started showing signs of mild concussion, as reported by head coach Nick Nurse. Since he did not clear the NBA’s concussion protocol, he was ruled out for the Sixers’ last game.

Although the Sixers were ahead of the Nets by 57-56 at the halftime, they eventually lost the game by 112-107 in their key player Tyrese Maxey’s absence.

When is Tyrese Maxey likely to return to court?

Tyrese Maxey will not be allowed to continue his practice or participate in games with the Sixers until he clears the concussion protocol set by NBA.

After getting drafted in 2020, this is Maxey’s fourth season with the franchise. The 23-year-old played his role well and was even acknowledged by NBA greats for his performances in absence of Joel Embiid. Maxey has averaged 26 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting at 44.9% from the floor and 37.8% from the 3-point range.

The Sixers are currently on the 7th-position of the Eastern Conference table with a 35-26 win loss record. The chances of Joel Embiid returning during the regular season are high which could help the franchise in the playoffs in the postseason.

Maxey’s date of return cannot be confirmed yet but after missing Tuesday’s game, he will have a shot against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday at their home court, provided he does not show any symptoms of concussion and gets a green signal from the NBA.