CLEVELAND – Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey received encouraging news Monday regarding his right hand injury, as medical tests revealed no fractures, according to head coach Nick Nurse. The injury, sustained during Saturday’s 126-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, sparked concern for both the team and fans, but initial evaluations have ruled out a break.
The incident occurred with just 16 seconds remaining in the game when Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona whereas battling for a loose ball. He immediately clutched his right hand and exited the court, heading directly to the locker room. The 76ers, already navigating a season with key players missing time, face uncertainty as they await further assessment of Maxey’s condition.
Maxey, who currently leads the NBA in total points with 1,767, underwent both X-rays and an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. Nurse confirmed that the results were negative for fractures, but further evaluation by hand specialists is planned to establish a comprehensive treatment plan. The sixth-year pro is already ruled out for the team’s games on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tuesday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.
“No breaks,” Nurse stated to reporters ahead of Monday’s game. “Now, he’s got to see the hand specialists to figure out what’s next.”
This isn’t the first time Maxey has dealt with a pinky injury. He sprained the same finger last season, a fact Nurse acknowledged adds to the concern. “It adds to the concern factor,” Nurse said. Maxey is averaging career-best numbers this season, with 29 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 61 games played. His absence is a significant blow to the 76ers, who have recently slipped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, falling out of a top-six playoff position. ESPN reports the team is taking a cautious approach.
Injury Details and Timeline
The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of the 76ers’ game against the Hawks on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Maxey’s immediate reaction – clutching his hand and heading to the locker room – signaled a potentially serious issue. The Philadelphia Inquirer detailed the immediate aftermath of the injury, noting Maxey’s visible pain.
Impact on the 76ers Playoff Push
Maxey’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the 76ers. The team is currently battling for playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference. His ability to consistently score and create opportunities for teammates is vital to their success. Without him, the 76ers will need to rely more heavily on other players to step up and fill the scoring void. Cameron Payne is a candidate to start at point guard during Maxey’s absence, according to reports.
Despite the setback, Nurse expressed optimism about Maxey’s spirits. “He seems OK and his spirits are good,” Nurse said. “He wants to be back, but he’s got to see these people before we take the next step.”
What’s Next for Maxey and the 76ers
The immediate next step for Maxey is a consultation with hand specialists to determine the best course of treatment. The 76ers will continue to monitor his progress and provide updates as they become available. The team will too need to adjust its game plan and rely on its depth to navigate the next few games without their star point guard. The 76ers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, March 10, and then host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, March 11. The team will undoubtedly be closely evaluating alternative lineups and strategies in Maxey’s absence.
The situation remains fluid, and the 76ers will be hoping for a swift recovery for Maxey. His return to the court will be crucial as they push for a favorable playoff seed.
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