Tyrese Maxey's pending MRI for right hand injury could seal 76ers' fate as playoffs near

If they can't get healthy, the 76ers don't have much of a chance to come away with a top-six seeding.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Philadelphia 76ers star point guard Tyrese Maxey suffered a right hand injury in the team's loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Maxey is expected to undergo an MRI on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury. The 76ers are already dealing with several key injuries, and losing Maxey for any significant time would be a major blow to their playoff hopes as they fight to secure a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

Maxey has been the 76ers' best and most consistent player this season, carrying the team as they've dealt with injuries to other key players like Joel Embiid. If Maxey is forced to miss time, it would leave a huge void in the 76ers' lineup and could jeopardize their chances of securing a guaranteed playoff spot.

The details

In the final moments of the 76ers' 125-116 loss to the Hawks, Maxey took a nasty fall and appeared to injure his right hand. He was seen writhing in pain on the floor. The 76ers will now have to wait for the results of Maxey's MRI on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury and how long he may be sidelined.

  • On Saturday night, Maxey suffered the right hand injury in the waning moments of the 76ers' loss to the Hawks.
  • Maxey is expected to undergo an MRI on his right hand on Sunday.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' star point guard who has been their best and most consistent player this season, carrying the team as they've dealt with injuries to other key players.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' All-Star center who is currently out for at least the next three games.

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers' rookie guard who has missed the past two games.

Paul George

The 76ers player who still has multiple weeks remaining on an NBA-mandated suspension.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

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What they’re saying

“He's meant everything to us. He's carried us this season. He's set such a good example for us this season as a hard worker. He's been the heart and soul of our team. We need him.”

— Kelly Oubre Jr., 76ers player

“He means everything to us. This is Tyrese Maxey we're talking about. He means everything to us. So, anytime a guy like that goes down, it's scary. But, y'all hear him over there, so we hope that he's going to be OK.”

— Trendan Watford, 76ers player

“Obviously, it would be huge for us, especially with some of the things we have going on and some of the guys that we have out. Obviously, he's a key player for us. We just don't want to jump to any conclusions until we know for sure.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.