Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey Ruled Out Against Thunder Due to Hand Injury

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia 76ers faced a setback Tuesday night as guard Tyrese Maxey was ruled out against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hand injury. The decision came just before tip-off at the Wells Fargo Center, where the Sixers hosted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Western Conference-leading Thunder.

Maxey, a key player for the Sixers, was listed as questionable earlier in the day after sustaining the injury during Sunday’s loss to the Orlando Magic. Despite participating in the team’s shootaround Tuesday afternoon, he was ultimately unable to play. Head coach Nick Nurse addressed Maxey’s condition during his pre-game media availability, noting that the All-Star guard was still experiencing discomfort.

“When it first happened, I thought he was coming out,” Nurse said. “Sometimes after those things, after the game and after a day of sleep or whatever, they wake up feeling different. He’s not healed, he’s still feeling some stuff there, so we’re just trying to see where he is.”

Maxey’s absence leaves the Sixers without two of their three All-Stars, as Joel Embiid and Paul George have also missed significant time this season. Maxey has been a standout performer, averaging 25.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 31 games this season.

The Sixers faced a tough challenge against the Thunder, who entered the game as the top team in the Western Conference. The game tipped off at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.