De’Anthony Melton, who has battled a back injury, practiced Wednesday and is a game-time decision for Game 3 against the Knicks on Thursday night. Melton, who averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season, could provide a boost to the Sixers’ offense and defense. Tyrese Maxey, who won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award on Tuesday, is expected to play despite an illness. Maxey has averaged 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season and has been a key part of the Sixers’ success.
Melton has played only 11 games since Christmas, but he is eager to return and help the Sixers. He said, “Once that last time I went down, obviously doubt creeps into your mind. But I try to stay optimistic about it. Just taking it day by day and being real diligent about it, (that) there’s a chance I could come back and a chance I could come back and help my team. I don’t want to be out there trying to play and doing a disservice to my team.”
Maxey is also excited about Melton’s potential return. He said, “There’s never been a moment where he’s been down. He’s worked every single day to come back. He hasn’t given up. And as a teammate, all you can do is appreciate something like that. And if he’s able to come back, I think he can change a series.”
The Sixers are hoping that Melton can help them turn the tide in the series against the Knicks. They trail 2-0, but they believe they can come back and win. Melton’s return would give them a much-needed boost.
In other news, Joel Embiid is “pretty good” and is expected to play in Game 3. Embiid has been dealing with a sore knee, but he is not expected to miss any games.
