Sixers’ Injured All-Star Spotted Working Out Before Pelicans Matchup

It seems Tyrese Maxey is close to making his return to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup.

Earlier this week, the veteran guard was diagnosed with a concussion. After he slipped and fell into a defender in the team’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday, Maxey experienced delayed concussion symptoms days later.

Maxey was initially expected to suit up for the Sixers to face the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Instead, he was downgraded to out and sent back to Philadelphia.

The following night, the Sixers took on the Memphis Grizzlies. Before the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Maxey had to clear the NBA’s concussion protocol before he could return. On Friday, Maxey still wasn’t ready.

For the matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Maxey was ruled out for the third game in a row. Fortunately, he showed progress in his recovery, as Maxey was seen getting up shots following the 76ers’ morning shootaround on Friday.

It wasn’t just the post-shoot-around session where Maxey was spotted working. Before Friday’s game against the Pelicans, Maxey participated in a pregame workout, despite being on pace to miss the matchup.

Tyrese Maxey working out pregame (again, he is out tonight and still in concussion protocol). https://t.co/HmTyObIB5D pic.twitter.com/uVACcNlBvy
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) March 8, 2024

Prior to the game, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse confirmed Maxey was still working through the concussion protocol. Currently, the team does not have a timeline for the All-Star’s return.

The earliest Maxey could suit up is on Sunday, when the Sixers pay a visit to the New York Knicks. If he’s still not cleared for action by then, Maxey will look ahead to next Tuesday night, when the Sixers battle it out with the Knicks for the second game in a row.