Tyrese Maxey Updates Recovery; Kelly Oubre Jr. Set for Saturday Return

The Philadelphia 76ers returned to Camden for a rare late-season practice on Friday. Several roster updates followed the session.

Tyrese Maxey updates and outlook

Tyrese Maxey spoke to reporters for the first time since injuring the tendon in his right fifth finger. He has been rehabbing for nearly three weeks and is progressing with conditioning and shooting work.

Maxey’s formal reevaluation is scheduled for Tuesday. The team later listed him as QUESTIONABLE for Saturday night’s trip to Charlotte.

He has been seen sprinting and slowly reintroducing right-handed shooting while wearing a new splint. Maxey also noted a prior injury to the same finger, which complicates recovery plans.

Kelly Oubre Jr. set to play Saturday

Kelly Oubre Jr. crossed his reevaluation date and earned clearance for on-court activity. He announced he expects to play in Saturday’s game at Charlotte.

Oubre has started 36 of 41 appearances this season. Coach Nick Nurse confirmed he expects Oubre to be available for the Hornets game.

Oubre credited a California hand therapist named Mo for improvements to his wrist. He says his three-point stroke is better than it has been in years.

Tyrese Maxey Updates Recovery; Kelly Oubre Jr. Set for Saturday Return

The club is monitoring both players closely. Maxey remains day-to-day while Oubre appears ready to rejoin the rotation in Charlotte.

Rotation questions and coaching plan

Nick Nurse acknowledged the tricky roster math with two starting spots and three candidates. Paul George is locked into a starting role.

Dominick Barlow has started 55 of 62 games. Nurse praised Barlow’s chemistry with Joel Embiid when both were on the floor.

If Maxey is unavailable and Oubre plays, Nurse could start VJ Edgecombe, Oubre, George, Barlow and Embiid. Full-health options could shift roles again.

Bench notes and player form

Quentin Grimes has improved after a long scoring slump. He remains an important piece for the team in the season’s final games.

Justin Edwards and VJ Edgecombe earned praise for stepping up while Maxey was sidelined. The Sixers went 6-4 without Maxey recently.

Opposition and context

The Hornets enter the matchup at 39-34. Since Jan. 1 they have gone 28-12 and posted an NBA-best +11.5 Net Rating in that span.

Charlotte plays at a high pace and launches many threes. Coach Nurse called them a genuine contender and emphasized the need for energy and focus.

League-wide implications

The conversation around the 65-game threshold for honors continued. Maxey and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham both sit at 61 games played.

Maxey leads the league in minutes per game at 38.3. Even with a recent 10-game absence, he remains among the leaders in total minutes.

• Practice took place in Camden, N.J.
• Oubre sidelined since March 10 before clearance.
• Maxey injured right fifth finger tendon nearly three weeks ago.
• Maxey’s reevaluation set for Tuesday; listed as QUESTIONABLE for Saturday.
• Hornets: 39-34 overall; 28-12 since Jan. 1; +11.5 Net Rating.

Filmogaz.com will monitor any further updates before the Sixers’ crucial weekend games. Expect more clarity on Maxey’s status after his Tuesday check.