Maxey’s Return Means Sixers Finally Back to Full Strength

The Philadelphia 76ers should finally be at full strength this weekend when they face the Pelicans on Friday in New Orleans.

Tyrese Maxey, who has been sidelined since November 18 with a foot injury, should make his return to the lineup on Friday per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

On Thursday, Maxey was officially upgraded to probable, so all signs point to him making his return for Friday's matchup with the Pelicans.

His head coach, Doc Rivers, told reporters on Tuesday that Maxey did some "low-minute" scrimmaging during Monday's practice and said he would likely be on a minutes restriction for the time being, which may also mean he comes off the bench when he returns, some Rivers didn't rule out.

Maxey is second on the team in points per game and is the team’s better three-point shooters by percentage at 42.2%. Getting him back not only gives Philadelphia another scorer, but gives the Sixers a few more easy baskets and another shot creator.

James Harden has played very well since returning from his injury, but getting Maxey back will bring the Sixers back to full strength for the first time since early November, with Harden, Maxey and Joel Embiid only playing in six games together this season.

The Sixers brought in some role players this offseason, but none of them have really played in the role they were brought in for, especially D'Anthony Melton, who has been thriving with Maxey out of the lineup.

This makes the return of Maxey all the more exciting since Sixers fans have not seen a healthy team pretty much all season.

Now we can really start to see what the ceiling of this Sizers team can be .