76ers
Tyrese Maxey entered Thursday’s game against Golden State off to one of the best scoring starts in franchise history.
Tony Jones of The Athletic noted that Maxey’s 649 points through 20 games rank third all-time among Sixers players for that span, trailing only Allen Iverson in 2005–06 and Wilt Chamberlain in 1965–66.
Maxey also led the league in minutes and field goal attempts during those 20 games. Coach Nick Nurse has leaned heavily on him this fall and said he is fine with Maxey taking on an even larger offensive burden.
“What did he take, 26 shots tonight?” Nurse said after Tuesday’s win over Washington. “He should shoot even more. That’s the big thing. Nobody is stopping him from doing what he wants to do.”
Maxey responded on Thursday by taking 27 shots, making 13 of them and finishing with 35 points, pushing his average to 32.6.
His biggest play came on defense, though. He chased down De’Anthony Melton at the final buzzer and blocked a would-be game-winner, sealing a 99–98 win after a VJ Edgecombe layup with 0.9 seconds left.
“The block was amazing,” Joel Embiid said, via Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “I almost forgot who made the game-winning layup. That’s how good the block was.”
Magic
The Magic received a boost with Paolo Banchero officially cleared to play Friday against the Heat. It will be his first appearance since November 12. Banchero has missed 10 straight games due to a left groin strain.
Before he went down in his 12th game of the year, Banchero averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists while playing nearly 35 minutes per night.
His shooting numbers were modest, and the Magic have posted a slightly stronger net rating with him off the floor so far. But no one in Orlando is worried about reintegrating the 2024 All-Star.
“He’s a very smart basketball player,” Jalen Suggs told reporters last week. “He’ll jell well with us because that’s our brother. We want him on the court. And we’re better when he’s on the court.”
Meanwhile, Miami may be without one of its own top scorers. Tyler Herro is doubtful with a right big toe issue and will undergo an MRI on Saturday. Norman Powell, who leads the Heat at 25 points per game through 17 outings, has been upgraded to available after missing Wednesday’s loss to Dallas.
Clippers
The Clippers made their roster shuffling official. RayJ Dennis has signed a two-way deal after being waived by the Pacers earlier this week. He will be eligible to appear in up to 37 games the rest of the way.
Dennis is expected to provide backcourt depth following the departure of Chris Paul. To create the opening, the Clippers waived Jahmyl Telfort.
Dennis, 24, spent part of last season in the G League with the Clippers’ affiliate before catching on with Indiana. He appeared in 13 NBA games for the Pacers, averaging 4.9 points and 2 assists in roughly 13 minutes a night.
Telfort logged seven appearances for Los Angeles after going undrafted out of Butler in 2025.
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