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Giannis is interested in teaming up with Tyrese Maxey in Philly
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to maintain their position as the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed on Saturday, March 28.
Going into their next matchup, the Sixers are going head-to-head with one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
The Hornets have won five straight games and are winners in their last seven out of 10.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have done well for themselves by winning six out of their last 10 games, despite dealing with many key absences.
Paul George missed 25 games in a row due to a suspension. Joel Embiid was out for roughly one month, as he battled an oblique strain.
Kelly Oubre suffered an elbow sprain, while Maxey suffered a hand-related injury. Both players were placed on multi-week evaluation timelines, but haven’t experienced any setbacks since landing on the injury report.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Sixers Announce Starting Lineup vs Charlotte Hornets.
The Sixers will start Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, Joel Embiid.
After a Friday practice session, the Sixers’ veteran forward Kelly Oubre Jr. stated that he planned to make his return on Saturday. The Sixers labeled him as questionable for the matchup, but Oubre is sticking to the plan that he made public.
Tyrese Maxey was in a different situation. When he addressed reporters on Friday, the star guard made it known that his timeline hasn’t had any updates. It was assumed he would be out until next week at the earliest, but the All-Star was upgraded to questionable against the Hornets.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
After Maxey went through his pregame warmups, the Sixers deemed him available to play. The star guard is returning earlier than expected.
Beyond Maxey and Oubre, the Sixers left Joel Embiid and Paul George off the injury report, which was a great sign.
As both veterans returned to the court to take on the Chicago Bulls after plenty of time off, it was unclear if they would need some additional rest and recovery as part of a return-to-action plan.
Fortunately, George and Embiid were activated from the jump and are ready to take on the challenge of the Hornets on Saturday. The game begins at 6 PM ET.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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