NBA3 hours ago2 minute read

Tyrese Maxey Explains Why a Healthy Joel Embiid Reshapes Philadelphia

Tyrese Maxey explained how Joel Embiid being healthy in camp helps the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the season.

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A Fresh Start for Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid being healthy changes everything for Philadelphia, according to Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers guard spoke on Thursday about how much different things feel when the big man can participate fully from day one.

Injuries have followed Embiid throughout his 10 year career. He has never played a full 82 game schedule, and he has reached more than 60 games only four times. Across his 10 seasons, he has averaged 49 games per year, which does not count his first two seasons missed with injury. He played 38 games last season, double his total from 2024, after dealing with right hip complications, left knee management, and appendicitis.

Those issues often kept the 2023 NBA MVP out of training camp and preseason action. Maxey explained that missing that time forced the team to learn during games. Having Embiid present early allows the team to put in more packages and establish chemistry.

Building Chemistry with New Teammates

Maxey has spent six years playing alongside Embiid. He knows where the center likes to receive the ball, where guards need to cut, and other habits Embiid shows on the floor.

Philadelphia added new players, including LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, who do not have that experience. Having Embiid healthy in camp gives them valuable time to learn his style.

Maxey noted that playing with a big man like Embiid is very difficult if you have not done it before. He said having two or three weeks of daily drilling makes a big difference for the newcomers. Embiid also shared optimism at the end of last season, stating he was as confident as he has ever been about his health.

What it means for the next game

Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Fri, 16 Oct): Philadelphia 76ers win 21%, Boston Celtics win 79%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 107, Boston Celtics 116. Our safest pick: Celtics to win.

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (NBA, Tue, 20 Oct): New York Knicks win 64%, Philadelphia 76ers win 36%; projected score New York Knicks 118, Philadelphia 76ers 112. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.