When the Sixers and Knicks face off at Madison Square Garden, chaos and intensity typically ensue. That was no different on Friday night.

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey reacts to his return to practice and learning a few new wrinkles coach Nick Nurse threw in.

Embiid had his most explosive game in a year Friday, then bounced back two days later to contribute in Atlanta. George, who has been steady defensively, pushed the issue with the ball more, looking like a more dynamic scorer than he did much of last year, his first season with the club. The hope is those attributes carry over.

Kicking off the week with a collection of Sixers notes, from the latest example of Tyrese Maxey's improvement to NBA trade rumors beginning to swirl.

Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to an impressive 116–107 road victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night, despite the absence of Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey is now one of the NBA's premier guards. He has always been a bright talent ever since his days at the University of Kentucky. Over the years, Maxey has developed into a fantastic guard for the 76ers, capable of scoring at will.

The best NBA player props for December 19 feature stars players like Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, among others.

While Maxey was back in the practice mix, Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) were still out. A Sixers official said both players have progressed to individual on-court workouts.