Sixers rule Maxey out for back-to-back with injured pinky 

Tyrese Maxey has been forced into a rare stretch off the floor.

A Sixers official said Sunday that Maxey suffered a right fifth finger (pinky) sprain and will miss the team’s upcoming back-to-back. He will “undergo additional testing and consultation in the coming days to determine a treatment plan,” according to the official. 

The 34-29 Sixers will visit the Cavs on Monday night and host the Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Maxey picked up the injury at the tail end of the Sixers’ loss Saturday night to the Hawks. After colliding with teammate Adem Bona, he held his right hand in apparent pain and exited the game with 16.2 seconds left. 

Maxey also had a right finger injury last March that ultimately ended his season. The two-time All-Star has averaged an NBA-high 38.3 minutes this season and only missed two mid-December games with an illness.

His absence will clearly necessitate massive adjustments to the Sixers’ typical rotations and game plans. Beyond the back-to-back, it’s obvious the Sixers need a healthy Maxey to pull off an improbable rise from their current play-in tournament spot in the standings to deep playoff success.

Joel Embiid (right oblique strain) and Paul George (suspension) will remain out against the 39-25 Cavs. The Sixers listed VJ Edgecombe (lumbar contusion) as questionable to return.