Tyrese Maxey posts 26 points, four assists

Maxey and the 76ers were playing their third game in four days. With LeBron James (Saturday) and Joel Embiid (Sunday) each missing a game, the 76ers’ star point guard had to shoulder a heavier workload. Despite that, Maxey still recorded an efficient stat line to end Week 1. There was an injury scare when he collided with Detroit’s John Collins in the fourth quarter, but Maxey was fine. Philadelphia plays three games in Week 2, starting with the Pacers on Wednesday.

The 76ers pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history on Thursday, rallying from a 29-point deficit to win 114-106 in their home opener. Maxey was Philadelphia’s most consistent offensive player, and his defense on James Harden also played a role. Harden scored 10 points in the second half but also recorded more turnovers (four) than assists (two). If the first two games indicate what’s to come, Maxey will be the 76ers’ first offensive option. Given his first-round ADP, that’s great news for fantasy managers.

Even with all the roster changes, this is still going to be Maxey’s team. While spoiling the Knicks’ ring night, he was assertive on both ends of the floor and truly stuffed the stat sheet. Having more playmaking and scoring threats around him will only make things easier on him, and it’s clear he’s not going to have to sacrifice much volume. Those who took Maxey at the end of the first round in fantasy drafts may end up reaping some major rewards.

Maxey has tormented the Celtics in recent years, but he had an off-night from a shooting standpoint, going just 1-of-6 from three-point range as the 76ers were run off the floor by Boston’s relentless bench. The 25-year-old is the force multiplier that will make Philadelphia’s star-studded mix functional this season. It might take some time for all of the piece to settle into the correct slots, but Maxey is going to be the biggest constant from the get-go as the straw that stirs the metaphorical drink.

Back on the floor after sitting out Monday’s preseason opener against the Knicks, Maxey logged 19 minutes on Thursday. With LeBron James on the court as well, the third-team All-NBA point guard spent more time off the ball. Maxey’s assist production could take a hit this season, but he may make up for it with more scoring. Either way, anyone who drafts him shouldn’t regret it.

All five third-team selections were named All-NBA for the first time in their respective careers on Sunday. Duren’s selection may be the most impactful, as he’ll hit restricted free agency next month. The All-NBA selection makes him eligible for a max deal worth up to $287 million over five years. However, given his struggles during the postseason and the Pistons’ need to also address Ausar Thompson’s future, Duren may not strike it that rich this summer. Especially with other teams unable to offer a deal on par with what the Pistons can.

A standout performer for most of this season, Maxey appeared to be a shell of himself in the second round. He had just one 20-point game in the four-game sweep, with the combination of the Knicks’ defense, specifically Mikal Bridges, and an injured right pinky finger being too much to overcome. Maxey will take some heat for his play in this series, and rightfully so. But there should be no concern from fantasy managers regarding the point guard’s outlook for 2026-27. Maxey provided first-round per-game value this season, and his emergence makes him a player who should come off the board in the first round of drafts next fall.

While Maxey shot the ball well on Friday, he was far too deferential on offense in a game the 76ers needed to win. There were too many moments in which the point guard continued to swing the ball instead of attacking the closeout and getting downhill. While that may have been the “right play,” the 76ers need a more aggressive Maxey on offense to have any chance, especially when considering the team’s lack of depth. To force a Game 5, Philadelphia needs Maxey to be in “takeover mode” from the start of Sunday’s Game 4.

Maxey bounced back after a difficult Game 1 that saw him score just 13 points in a blowout loss. The 25-year-old point guard had 26 points in Game 2, but wasn’t particularly efficient with 23 attempts from the field. It was enough to keep the 76ers in the game, but the Philadelphia offense couldn’t score down the stretch. The 76ers will have to win Game 3 on Friday to avoid falling behind 3-0 in the series.

The Knicks were able to keep Maxey in check on Monday, but the quick turnaround from Philadelphia’s Game 7 win over the Celtics was also a factor. The 76ers point guard missed all three of his three-point attempts and recorded twice as many turnovers (four) as assists (two). One can safely assume that Maxey will put forth a better performance in Game 2 on Wednesday night.