Sixers Star Tyrese Maxey Nears Return From Pinkie Injury

Maxey's re-evaluation in late March could determine if he plays in the 76ers' final games or postseason push.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:05pm

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey suffered a right pinkie tendon injury in early March and has missed the team's last 10 games. Maxey is expected to be re-evaluated between March 29-31, which could clear him to return as soon as March 30 against the Miami Heat or at the start of April against the Washington Wizards. The 76ers are in a tight playoff race, sitting 7th in the Eastern Conference, so Maxey's return will be crucial as they try to secure a postseason berth.

Why it matters

Maxey has been a breakout star for the 76ers this season, averaging 29 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. His production will be vital as the 76ers try to hold off the Raptors, Hawks, Magic, and Hornets for a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference.

The details

Maxey suffered the pinkie injury in the final seconds of the 76ers' March 7 game against the Atlanta Hawks. Initial reports suggested he would likely miss the rest of the regular season, but the 76ers now expect him to be re-evaluated between March 29-31. If the evaluation is positive, Maxey could return as soon as the March 30 game against the Heat or the April 1 game against the Wizards.

  • Maxey suffered the pinkie injury on March 7.
  • Maxey is expected to be re-evaluated between March 29-31.
  • The 76ers play the Miami Heat on March 30 and the Washington Wizards on April 1.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

A 22-year-old guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who has emerged as a breakout star this season, averaging 29 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' All-Star center who recently returned from injury and combined with Paul George to lead the team to a 157-137 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Paul George

The 76ers' other All-Star who recently returned from injury and combined with Joel Embiid to lead the team to a 157-137 win over the Chicago Bulls.

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What they’re saying

“He's working pretty hard. He's getting some decent workouts in. He's moving a lot. He is doing some workouts primarily left-handed. He has taken some shots right-handed. I believe he's got another evaluation here coming up this weekend or early next week.”

— Nick Nurse, 76ers Head Coach

What’s next

If Maxey's re-evaluation in late March is positive, the earliest he could return is the March 30 game against the Miami Heat. Otherwise, he may return at the start of April when the 76ers face the Washington Wizards.

The takeaway

Maxey's return will be crucial for the 76ers as they try to secure a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference. With Embiid and George back, the 76ers have the star power to make a postseason push, but Maxey's production will be vital to their success.