The Philadelphia 76ers will play without Tyrese Maxey for the first time this season. The team ruled the All-Star guard out against the Indiana Pacers due to illness. The absence ends Maxey’s streak of appearances and forces rotation changes as Philadelphia manages a short-handed lineup.
Maxey Sidelined After Downgrade on Injury Report
Tyrese Maxey was officially ruled out Friday after being downgraded twice on the injury report. He initially appeared as probable before shifting to questionable earlier on game day. By evening, the 76ers confirmed he would not play due to illness.
Tyrese Maxey will miss his first game of the 2025–26 season due to illness
Head coach Nick Nurse said Maxey was unable to participate in team activities during the recent mini-break. The coaching staff had several days to prepare for the possibility of his absence. Still, his late downgrade altered final lineup decisions.
This marks Maxey’s first missed game of the 2025–26 season. He was the only Sixer to appear in all of the team’s first 23 games.
Heavy Workload Defined Maxey’s Early Season Role
Before the Tyrese Maxey injury update, the guard carried one of the league’s heaviest workloads. He entered Friday leading the NBA at 39.9 minutes per game. He also ranked third in scoring at 31.5 points per contest.
Beyond scoring, Maxey averaged 7.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and nearly one block per game. His production placed him at the center of Philadelphia’s offense and late-game execution.
Paul George recently addressed Maxey’s workload, praising his approach to preparation and recovery. George described Maxey as disciplined and mentally steady. He added that Maxey consistently handles responsibility without visible fatigue.
Starting Lineup Shifts With Quentin Grimes
Nick Nurse declined to confirm Maxey’s replacement before tip-off. However, signs from shootaround pointed toward Quentin Grimes. Grimes wore a blue practice jersey, which often signals a starting role.
Quentin Grimes is expected to start in place of Tyrese Maxey against the Pacers
The coaching staff has preferred using Grimes as a sixth man this season. Still, Nurse has shown flexibility when lineup adjustments become necessary. This start would mark Grimes’ fifth of the season.
Nurse also appeared mindful of Jared McCain’s minutes. The team has managed McCain carefully following earlier injuries. Keeping him with second units remains a priority when matchups allow.
Additional Absences Shape Philadelphia’s Rotation
Maxey was not the only player unavailable against Indiana. Kelly Oubre Jr. missed the game with a left knee LCL sprain. Trendon Watford sat out due to a left adductor strain, while Hunter Sallis was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Several Sixers players, including Maxey, were sidelined due to injuries ahead of the Pacers game
Despite the absences, most of the roster remained available. Paul George was removed from the injury report entirely. His availability offers Philadelphia another primary scoring option without Maxey.
The Pacers entered the game dealing with their own injuries. Indiana has played extended stretches without Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin. The team recently improved to 6–18 after winning two straight games.
Joel Embiid Cleared to Play, Minutes Managed
Joel Embiid was listed as probable before the game with a left knee recovery designation. He was later cleared to play, continuing a carefully monitored return schedule.
Embiid missed nine consecutive games earlier this season due to knee soreness. Since returning, he has appeared in four of six contests. His minutes remain restricted, and back-to-back appearances remain off limits.
Embiid acknowledged progress in his conditioning during pregame comments. He said the current routine of playing followed by rest days has helped. The staff continues prioritizing long-term availability over short-term volume.
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Coaches Stress Shared Responsibility Without Maxey
Nick Nurse emphasized the redistribution of duties with Maxey out. Ball-handling, scoring, and late-clock decisions must now be shared across the lineup. Indiana’s guard-heavy approach adds another layer to that challenge.
The nurse described the situation as a test for the group. He noted that preparation earlier in the week helped players adjust roles. Several guards are expected to see increased usage.
A post on social media from PHLY Sports reporter Derek Bodner confirmed Grimes’ start and Embiid’s availability. Another update shared by Paul Hudrick noted Maxey’s official status before tip-off.
Tyrese Maxey is OUT. Joel Embiid is still probable, per Sixers.
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) December 12, 2025
First Absence Reflects Larger Season Context
The Tyrese Maxey out vs Pacers designation underscores Philadelphia’s early-season balancing act. The team has struggled to keep its core players on the floor together. Since the start of last season, the trio of Maxey, George, and Embiid has appeared together only 17 times.
Friday marked just the third game this season with both George and Embiid available. Maxey’s illness halted that opportunity again. The 76ers remain focused on navigating availability while staying competitive.
As the season continues, Philadelphia’s depth and flexibility remain under evaluation. Maxey’s absence may be brief, but it offers a clear snapshot of how quickly roles must shift.
