What a chaotic day for the Philadelphia 76ers. It began with a trade of Caleb Martin, continued with KJ Martin leaving the stadium at the 11th hour due to pending trade conversations, and, oh yes, the return of Joel Embiid, who missed the previous month’s worth of games for the Sixers.
Ahead of the tip, the Sixers’ head coach, Nick Nurse, met with the media to discuss the day’s events. One topic of conversation was the lineup for the upcoming game and the potential future of the line planned for the evening.
A new-look lineup
In Joel Embiid’s absence, Guerschon Yabusele had so often occupied the center spot. With his return, Yabusele was allowed to return to his natural position at power forward. In response to the move, Nurse mentioned that it was important to see what this team looks like with their five best players on the court.
Despite his stellar play this season, Justin Edwards will not be in that lineup, but it’s not hard to see Edwards and the team continuing to adapt in Paul George‘s absence. Given Edwards’ style of play, George’s return figures to be an easy transition.
The curtness of Nurse’s comment signals that Philadelphia has also not given up on this season; they still believe they are capable of being a playoff team, at the very least, reaching the Play-In tournament. After 49 games played, the Sixers are just a single game behind the Chicago Bulls for the 10th seed in the East.
All three of the teams ahead of the Sixers in the standings are in the midst of sub-.500 streaks over their last ten games played. The opportunity to strike is readily available, and it starts with the Sixers rolling out their top lineup as often as possible.
Consistent greatness
One reason Nurse and the Sixers believe that, even at this point in the season, is Tyrese Maxey‘s continued stellar play. Following a 33-point and 13-assist performance, Maxey has now scored 30+ points in six straight games and 28+ points in 15 consecutive games.
Since Jan. 6, 2025, Maxey has averaged 32.5 points per game and 7.5 assists. Not bad for a non-All-Star. As important as Joel Embiid’s return to this team, the continued gratitude of Tyrese Maxey, who is playing the best basketball of his entire career, is necessary.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will welcome the Miami Heat tomorrow night as they continue to battle with star Jimmy Butler over his place on the team. No one knows whether or not Butler will be a member of the Heat, Suns, or some other squad by tomorrow’s game.
Tip-off is set for Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. You can catch the game live on NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBA League Pass. You can also watch live, as always, at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
