The Philadelphia 76ers lost game one against the New York Knicks 111-104 on Saturday. The team is already heavily leaning on star Tyrese Maxey, who led the team in scoring with 33 points. Due to his previous injury, Joel Embiid’s Sixers status will be monitored day to day. The last thing they need is to suffer any other crucial injuries. Chris Haynes, senior NBA Insider for TNT & Bleacher Report, reports that Tyrese Maxey is questionable tonight with an illness. It is a disaster scenario for the 76ers heading into a crucial game two against the New York Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey’s Impact On The Court
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Tyrese Maxey is crucial to Philadelphia’s chances of winning tonight. He is their only consistent offensive threat outside of Joel Embiid. With Embiid not at 100%, it is imperative that Maxey is on the court. His presence also allows other players to play their roles comfortably.
Maxey’s ability to be a threat inside and outside allows other players open opportunities. Kyle Lowry scored an efficient 18 points off of 5-9 shooting and 4-7 from the 3-point range. Embiid’s inside threat, combined with Maxey’s penetration to the basket, gives open shots to guys like Lowry.
While certainly paid enough to be, Tobias Harris does not scare opposing teams as a secondary option. At the same time, a savvy veteran, Kyle Lowry, should not be counted upon to deliver 18 pts regularly as he did Saturday night. Kelly Oubre Jr. is feast or famine in his offensive production and is likely much better when he’s efficient.
How Does Tyrese Maxey’s Illness Affect The 76ers Chances Tonight?
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Game 1 between the Sixers and Knicks was a game of runs. Each team had a turn to stop the other team defensively. The Knicks won the 2nd and 4th quarters 65-34. The Sixers can ill afford to go on dry spells if they plan on beating the Knicks tonight.
The Knicks are so good defensively. They can either take the stars out of the game or focus on the others. A hurt Embiid and Maxey will force the rest of the team out of their comfortable roles on the road in a crucial game. I’d be very nervous as a Sixer fan if I needed more from Kelly Oubre Jr., Tobias Harris, and Kyle Lowry.
Predictions For Game 2 And The Series Going Forward
Injuries are part of the game. The 76ers will need much help from secondary options to win game 2 with their two stars at less than 100%. The bench will desperately need to improve from their first game. The Knicks bench outscored Philly’s 42-7. Players like Nicolas Batum, Paul Reed, and Buddy Hield will need better production to lighten the load on the starters.
I believe the Sixers will fail to win this game 2. They can get more offensively from their supporting cast. I think they can’t depend on another 8-26 performance by Jalen Brunson. He’ll be much better. In turn, the rest of the team will also improve because once the focus is on Brunson, it’ll open up opportunities for the rest.
In the long term, I believe the Sixers will lose in 5 games. Including this potential game-two loss, I don’t think they can beat the Knicks 4 out of 5 times with their two best players dealing with injury/illness. They can get one at home, likely game 3, but fizzle out the rest of the way.
Also Read: Philadelphia 76ers Young Star Has Career High Night
About The Author
Joseph Laguerre is a hardcore, born-and-raised New York sports fan. He is a Giants, Rangers, Yankees, and long-suffering Knicks supporter. You can find him on X @JavaJoeSports. His writing portfolio is also on his Wix site.
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