Tyrese Maxey Nearing Return, Sixers Gear Up for Tough Hornets Test
CAMDEN, N.J. – The Philadelphia 76ers are on the verge of welcoming back key players as they prepare for a critical stretch of games. Kelly Oubre Jr. has declared he’s ready to return to action after missing eight games with a left elbow sprain, and Tyrese Maxey is showing promising signs of recovery from a right pinky injury.
Oubre Jr. Ready to Ignite
“I’m playing basketball tomorrow,” Oubre stated confidently after Friday’s practice. His return is a significant boost for a Sixers team that recently saw Joel Embiid and Paul George back in the lineup, culminating in a dominant win over the Chicago Bulls. Oubre is eager to contribute, saying, “I’m excited just to get back out there and bring the crazy.”
Hornets Pose a Serious Threat
The Sixers will face one of Oubre’s former teams, the Charlotte Hornets, on Saturday night. This game, along with Monday’s matchup against the Miami Heat, are pivotal in the Eastern Conference standings. Currently seventh in the conference at 40-33, the Sixers hold a one-game lead over both the Hornets and the Heat. The season series against both teams is tied at one game apiece.
The Hornets have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams for the past two months, boasting a remarkable 23-6 record since January 22nd. According to Cleaning the Glass, they currently rank second in net rating, first in offensive rating, and fifth in defensive rating. They previously handed the Sixers a significant 50-point defeat on January 26th.
Nurse Acknowledges Hornets’ Rise
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the Hornets’ impressive turnaround. “Listen, Charlotte’s obviously a big surprise to everybody, but they’re legitimately for real,” Nurse said. “They are very good. You guys can look at all the numbers… the record, who they’re beating, all that stuff is totally legitimate. It’s been a consistent thing here since the turn of the new year. So we’ve got to get ready to go.” He emphasized the Hornets’ relentless pace and energy, stating, “There’s just no moments to relax… It’s just kind of on from the jump ball.”
Maxey Progressing Well
Alongside Oubre’s return, Tyrese Maxey has demonstrated noticeable improvement with his right pinky injury. He was seen taking jump shots with his right hand after practice. While initially slated for re-evaluation in approximately three weeks (announced on March 10th), Maxey appears to be ahead of schedule. He was listed as questionable on the team’s Friday night injury report.
“I feel pretty good,” Maxey shared. “I just got a new splint… I’ve been working conditioning-wise, doing all the things that they need me to do. So we’ll see.” He expressed a newfound appreciation for patience during his rehabilitation and confidence in his teammates’ ability to maintain success in his absence. “Our team has really done a good job of just maintaining all season,” he said. He jokingly added, “If it were on my left hand, no one would really even know I was hurt.”
The Sixers will need all hands on deck as they navigate a challenging schedule and strive to solidify their playoff position. The returns of Oubre Jr. and the potential imminent return of Maxey provide a significant boost as they prepare for the battles ahead.
