Both the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks welcomed back key players to their lineups in a recent game at Madison Square Garden. All-Star Tyrese Maxey returned for the 76ers after missing four games due to concussion protocols, while defensive standout OG Anunoby made his comeback for the Knicks after being sidelined since January 27 following elbow surgery.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Anunoby's versatility, highlighting his ability to contribute in various aspects of the game. Thibodeau emphasized Anunoby's defensive prowess, shooting skills, and adaptability to play multiple positions on the court, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Anunoby's return is particularly significant for the Knicks, who have been without their starting frontcourt players for an extended period. Thibodeau provided updates on the statuses of injured players Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, indicating that Randle is still limited to controlled contact situations while Robinson is progressing towards full-contact practice.
On the Philadelphia side, Maxey's return adds depth to the team's roster, with coach Nick Nurse expressing confidence in the young star's readiness to play. Nurse mentioned that there are no restrictions on Maxey's minutes but emphasized the importance of monitoring his conditioning and rhythm in his first game back.
However, the 76ers continue to miss the presence of Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, who has been sidelined since late January due to injury. Nurse mentioned that Embiid has started on-court activities but there is no definitive timeline for his return to game action.
As the teams navigate through injuries and player absences, the return of Maxey and Anunoby provides a boost to their respective lineups, offering much-needed support as they strive for success in the competitive NBA season.
