Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the new leader of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 NBA season, especially in light of Joel Embiid’s recurring absences. Recently, the guard spoke about stepping into this new role and the challenges it has brought.

Joel Embiid will not play in the 76ers' matchup vs. the Knicks. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, however, could return from injury.

Joel Embiid, a 7-time All-Star, has played in only 13 games on the season due to a variety of ailments and is averaging 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds along with 3.8 assists per night. The latest All-Star voting reveals Maxey No. 6 in Eastern Conference backcourt voting while Embiid is No. 9 in frontcourt voting.

There will be no Process 2.0 here, a half-season tank to ensure Philly retains its '25 first-round pick and lives to fight another season.

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey is facing a new challenge this season as the team’s unquestioned lead scoring option. The absence of Joel Embiid due to a knee injury has led to Maxey facing defenses game planning almost exclusively for him.

In the second half, the Sixers showed signs of the team they were supposed to be without Joel Embiid. But their dreadful first half sunk them to 15-24.