On Friday night, two top-five teams in the Eastern Conference are set to square off. The 14-11 76ers will be on the road to face the 19-7 Knicks. New York is riding a six-game win streak.
Philadelphia’s all-star PG Tyrese Maxey missed the team’s last two games due to illness. Luckily, Maxey is off the injury report for a tough game on Friday vs. the Knicks. The 25-year-old is set to return to the lineup after a two-game absence. Joel Embiid is questionable to play vs. New York due to illness.
Tyrese Maxey is returning to action on Friday for the 76ers
Sixers injury report for Friday vs. Knicks
Tyrese Maxey is off the injury list after missing the last two games due to illness.
Joel Embiid is QUESTIONABLE (illness).
Kelly Oubre and Trendon Watford remain OUT. pic.twitter.com/8UOlmGmEnZ
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) December 18, 2025
With the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Sixers selected Tyrese Maxey out of Kentucky. Over six seasons, Maxey has grown into Philadelphia’s franchise cornerstone. Joel Embiid once held that title, but Maxey has taken over in 2025-26. The PG is averaging a career-high 31.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. Additionally, Maxey’s 39.9 minutes per game this season lead the NBA.
Tyrese Maxey missed each of the Sixers’ last two games due to illness. The team went 1-1 and is 14-11 in 2025-26. Philadelphia will have its hands full on Friday when they face the Knicks. New York is at full strength and playing their best basketball of the season. The team is riding a six-game win streak. That includes a win vs. the Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup championship.
Tyrese Maxey (illness) not listed on injury report for Friday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 18, 2025
Friday’s match-up will be the first of four meetings this season between New York and Philadelphia. Can Tyrese Maxey help the Sixers get an important win vs. the Knicks? Maxey has scored 28+ points in four of his last five games. Additionally, he’s scored 30+ points in three of those five. He’ll need a big-time performance on Friday to beat the Knicks.
Trendon Watford and Kelly Oubre Jr. will not be available for the 76ers on Friday vs. the Knicks. On top of that, Joel Embiid is questionable with an illness. Philadelphia would be at a major disadvantage without Embiid’s services. Friday night might be a game where Tyrese Maxey has to have an unreal outing. He’s already scored 54 points in a win earlier this season. Does Maxey have that in him on Friday after missing two consecutive games due to illness?
