Ill-timed Tyrese Maxey injury prolongs early-season agony for the 76ers

Just like an annual tradition, the injury bug seems way too infatuated with the Philadelphia 76ers to begin the season. Merely days after welcoming Paul George back, multiple outlets are now reporting that Tyrese Maxey has suffered a right hamstring injury that will keep him out of commission for at least a couple of weeks.

This is a massive blow to a 76ers team already dealing with injuries left and right. While George is back and Joel Embiid will finally make his season debut a few days from now after serving his three-game suspension, losing Maxey is far from ideal, especially at this point where the team is trying to catch up.

Maxey, who has been averaging 27.6 points per game as the 76ers’ alpha without Embiid, has singlehandedly carried the scoring load for the team. Losing him does them no favors, as the dynamic guard has turned into one of the best pure scorers in the NBA.

76ers lose star guard Tyrese Maxey to a hamstring injury

Maxey’s absence leaves the 76ers with a gaping and massive hole in the backcourt which, outside of the All-Star, has immensely struggled. As a result, the coaching staff will need to get ultra creative to fill the ginormous void he will be leaving for at least two weeks.

Kyle Lowry will most likely take on an even more prominent role, and the same goes for veteran Eric Gordon. This should also mean that rookie Jared McCain, sophomore wing Ricky Council IV, and even veteran guard Reggie Jackson would all be in line for more minutes than they have been tallying so far this season.

This news could not have come at a worse time. The 76ers, currently touting a 1-6 win-loss card, a record tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the worst slate in the Eastern Conference, have to catch up fast to the team above them, led by the Cleveland Cavaliers which remain undefeated through nine games.

Thankfully, Embiid is set to return soon. However, with the 76ers still expected to exercise caution with him and the 34-year-old George, there could be some games where the team suits up without any of their stars. It’s also been reported that the team will move with sheer vigilance with Maxey and not rush the process.

Hopefully, Tyrese Maxey does not face any setbacks in his brief rehab. The Philadelphia 76ers need all the juice they can get right now, and the young All-Star has become too important to lose, even if only for a brief period.