Sixers Lose Maxey and Edgecombe for Cavs Game

Injuries force Sixers to rely on backups Grimes and Payne in key matchup

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Sixers will be without star guard Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Maxey is out with a sprained finger, while Edgecombe is sidelined with a lumbar contusion. This leaves the Sixers shorthanded in the backcourt, as they'll need to rely on reserves Quentin Grimes and Cam Payne to step up in their absence.

Why it matters

The Sixers are already missing key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George, so losing Maxey and Edgecombe is a significant blow as they try to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The team will need strong performances from their backups to have a chance against the surging Cavaliers.

The details

Maxey, the Sixers' leading scorer, suffered a sprained finger in a recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs and will miss at least the next two games. Edgecombe, a promising rookie, was also injured in that game with a lumbar contusion and has been ruled out for the Cavs matchup. With their top two guards unavailable, the Sixers will turn to Grimes and Payne to handle the backcourt duties, while veteran Kyle Lowry and forward Trendon Watford may also see increased playing time.

  • Maxey and Edgecombe were injured in the Sixers' loss to the Spurs on Tuesday, March 7.
  • Maxey will miss at least the Sixers' games on March 9 and March 10.
  • Edgecombe has been ruled out for the Sixers' game against the Cavaliers on March 9.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

The Sixers' leading scorer, a 22-year-old guard in his third NBA season.

VJ Edgecombe

A rookie guard for the Sixers who was recently injured in a game against the Spurs.

Quentin Grimes

A backup guard for the Sixers who will see increased playing time with the injuries to Maxey and Edgecombe.

Cam Payne

Another Sixers backup guard who will be called upon to step up in the absence of Maxey and Edgecombe.

Kyle Lowry

A veteran guard for the Sixers who may see more minutes due to the backcourt injuries.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win this game against the Cavs even with key guys out. The young guys will have to step up and make plays.”

— Doc Rivers, Sixers Head Coach (973espn.com)

What’s next

The Sixers will need to evaluate Maxey's injury and determine if he can return for the game after the Cavs matchup. Edgecombe's status for future games is also uncertain as he recovers from his lumbar contusion.

The takeaway

The Sixers' depth is being tested with multiple key injuries, putting pressure on their young role players to step up and help the team stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race. How the backups perform in Maxey and Edgecombe's absence could have a major impact on the Sixers' postseason hopes.