Oct 18, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Tyrese Maxey Injury Update: When is the 76ers guard expected to make a return?

The All-Star PG went down with a thumb injury against the Magic.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was forced to leave Friday night’s preseason finale against the Orlando Magic after suffering a thumb contusion.

Maxey’s time on the court was brief, with just five minutes of play. He recorded one assist and missed his only shot before the injury.

Maybe somewhere in here…
1. Tyrese Maxey braces his fall with his right hand on the play with Paolo Banchero.
2. Maxey raises the right hand during foul shots, seems okay.
3. Maxey brings the ball up, shows discomfort after. Possibly some contact with the hand at the logo. https://t.co/W139qH2aqI pic.twitter.com/5Ji0mPIWel
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) October 19, 2024

When is Tyrese Maxey expected to make a return?

Tyrese Maxey is expected to return for the Sixers’ regular season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Kyle Neubeck of PHLY reported that Maxey’s exit in the final preseason game was precautionary, indicating he should be ready to play.

Tyrese Maxey has a right thumb contusion and Will not return to tonight’s game.

My understanding is that he is staying out of the game just as a precaution.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 18, 2024

In his four preseason appearances, Maxey delivered solid performances, averaging 14.3 points in 20.3 minutes per game. However, his early departure adds to the ongoing injury concerns that have affected the Sixers throughout the preseason.

Maxey’s injury adds to the Sixers preseason injury woes

The Philadelphia 76ers are grappling with a series of setbacks as injuries continue to pile up ahead of the 2024-25 season. Last Sunday, the team announced that Joel Embiid would miss the entire preseason to manage his ongoing left knee issues, a concern that dates back to January. Embiid played only 39 games last season after injuring the same knee.

On Monday, another blow hit the Sixers when offseason star acquisition Paul George hyperextended his left knee during a preseason win against the Atlanta Hawks. The injury resulted in a bone bruise, forcing George to sit out the rest of the preseason as a precaution.

The challenges didn’t end there. In Wednesday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, 2024 first-round pick Jared McCain suffered a pulmonary contusion after a hard fall, adding to the team’s growing list of sidelined players.

Joel Embiid: Sat due to knee rehab

Paul George: Left knee hyperextension

Jared McCain: Pulmonary contusions

Tyrese Maxey: Right thumb contusion

The Sixers preseason from hell cannot possibly come to an end soon enough… Fire 6 game preseason into the sun, for goodness sake
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) October 19, 2024

With only five days until the regular season opener, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin are the last healthy starters. If the team’s stars remain out, role players like Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin will be called upon to fill critical starting roles, as they did in Friday’s game against the Magic.

Maxey’s recent thumb injury adds another layer of concern, though the nature of his exit seems precautionary. His potential return for Wednesday’s opener would be a major lift for the Sixers