The Philadelphia 76ers already knew that they would be without Joel Embiid heading into their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, but they also found out late that they would also be without their rookie guard.
Tyrese Maxey was a late scratch due to the league’s health and safety protocols and that is something that rings alarms in Philadelphia. The Sixers had a tough time with those protocols in January when they were without a majority of their team for a tough stretch.
When the news came out about Maxey, it was confusing, but coach Doc Rivers cleared everything up after the loss to Memphis on Sunday.
“Just the protocols, an inconclusive test,” said Rivers. “It was a shame too because this was the night where whenever Joel is out and we slide him into the rotation. He can’t get a break right now so it is what it is.”
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It is tough because due to the game being a blowout, the Sixers played a lot of younger guys in the fourth quarter. Iggy Brazdeikis made his Sixers debut and he was joined on the floor by Paul Reed, Isaiah Joe, and Mason Jones. Those minutes could have gone to Maxey to help him move his development along.
It is unfortunate that this happened to him, but hopefully, he is ready to go on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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