These 2 important trends bode well for the Heat’s playoff chances

A scary Terry Rozier and an elite Miami Heat defense is a good combination.

Just as the Philadelphia 76ers gained one of their All-Stars back after a long absence, they lost another temporarily.

Recently, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey has been present on the team’s injury report. As Philadelphia prepared for its Sunday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors, Maxey was downgraded as he experienced hip tightness.

Nick Nurse and the Sixers waited to see Maxey go through his pregame workout before determining his official playing status. Unfortunately, that led to the Sixers ruling out the one-time All-Star for the first time since their March 10 battle against the New York Knicks.

When the Sixers approached their Tuesday night matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Maxey was in the same position. Listed as questionable, the young guard was viewed as a game-time decision.

Once again, Maxey went through his pregame workout before the Sixers ruled him out. While the setback seems minor, the Sixers have to play it smart with Maxey ahead of a potential postseason scenario as he’s the leader of the backcourt.

Going into the Thursday night matchup between the Sixers and the Miami Heat, Maxey remains on the injury report. For the third-straight game, he’s listed as questionable. Therefore, he’s likely a game-time decision against the Heat.

Before Maxey’s recent string of absences, he appeared in ten-straight games, averaging 38 minutes on the court. Throughout that stretch, Maxey knocked down 43 percent of his shots from the field, averaging 24 points per game. He also dished out six assists per game.

The Sixers and the Heat are set to take the court for a 7:30 PM ET matchup on Thursday.