Maxey Leads Shorthanded 76ers Against Warriors In San Francisco Showdown

The Philadelphia 76ers rolled into the Bay Area on February 3, 2026, riding a four-game winning streak and plenty of momentum. Their opponents, the Golden State Warriors, were hoping to bounce back after a tough loss but faced a daunting challenge with several stars sidelined. As the two teams squared off at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the buzz was palpable—fans and analysts alike wondered if the Sixers could keep their streak alive or if the shorthanded Warriors would defend their home turf.

Coming into the matchup, the 76ers boasted a 28-21 record, good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference and just three games behind the second-place New York Knicks. Their recent surge included a convincing 128-113 victory over the LA Clippers the night before, a game that showcased the depth and resilience of this Philadelphia squad. Tyrese Maxey, the team’s dynamic guard, poured in 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out six assists in that contest—continuing his stellar season, where he’s averaging 29.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Dominick Barlow, stepping up in the absence of suspended star Paul George, delivered a monster performance with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Joel Embiid chipped in 24 points, but the All-Star big man was ruled out for the Warriors game due to an ankle injury, leaving a gaping hole in the Sixers’ frontcourt.

On the other side, the Warriors entered the night with a 27-23 record, sitting eighth in the Western Conference and fighting for playoff positioning. They had just suffered a 131-124 defeat to the Detroit Pistons, a game where Stephen Curry led the scoring with 23 points but which exposed some defensive vulnerabilities. Unfortunately for Golden State, Curry was sidelined for the Sixers matchup with a knee injury, joining a growing list of unavailable players that included Seth Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, L.J. Cryer, and Jimmy Butler (out for the season). The injury bug had bitten hard, putting additional pressure on the likes of Brandin Podziemski—who was projected to take on a larger scoring role in Curry’s absence.

Tip-off was set for 10:00 PM Eastern at the Chase Center, with coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus. Out-of-market fans could stream the game on NBA League Pass, Fubo, or Peacock, making it accessible to basketball devotees nationwide. The betting odds reflected the uncertainty: Golden State was favored by as much as five points on some books, with a moneyline of -200, while the Sixers were listed as +165 underdogs. The over/under hovered around 221.5 points, reflecting both teams’ high-scoring tendencies—Philadelphia averages 116.9 points per game, just edging out the Warriors’ 116.7. Defensively, the Sixers surrender 115.7 points per contest, while Golden State allows 114.

Despite the absences, the Sixers’ recent form gave them hope. Maxey’s emergence as a legitimate star has been one of the season’s highlights. According to USA TODAY, "Maxey gives the 76ers 29.2 points, 4.2 boards and 6.9 assists per contest. He also averages 2 steals (second in league) and 0.9 blocks." His ability to take over games, especially with Embiid and George unavailable, was critical. The supporting cast has also stepped up: rookie VJ Edgecombe averages 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, despite a tough shooting night against the Clippers (five points on 1-of-11). Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr., both averaging double figures, have provided consistent scoring punch. Oubre, in particular, has been a steadying presence, contributing 14.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field.

For the Warriors, the absence of Curry was a massive storyline. The team has relied on his 27.2 points per game all season, and his leadership is irreplaceable. Without him, Golden State’s home-court advantage—an impressive 17-8 record at the Chase Center—would be put to the test. Brandin Podziemski, projected to score 15+ points according to The Action Network, was expected to shoulder much of the offensive load. The Warriors’ depth was further tested with Seth Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, and L.J. Cryer all nursing injuries, while Jimmy Butler’s season-ending knee injury left a leadership void.

The matchup itself promised an intriguing chess match. Could the Sixers’ backcourt, led by Maxey, exploit Golden State’s depleted defense? Would the Warriors’ supporting cast rise to the occasion and protect their home floor? The betting community seemed to lean toward the Warriors, perhaps due to the Sixers playing the second night of a back-to-back without two of their biggest stars. As one analyst put it, "Philly is in a tough spot tonight on a back-to-back and likely without Embiid. Additionally, the Sixers will be without Paul George for the next two months, who is serving a suspension. I do not believe the Sixers have enough depth to overcome these key absences tonight."

Yet, the Sixers have made a habit of defying expectations this season. Their four-game winning streak included victories over playoff contenders, and their ability to adapt to adversity has drawn praise from around the league. Dominick Barlow’s breakout game against the Clippers was a testament to the team’s next-man-up mentality, and the continued development of young talents like Edgecombe has given Coach Nick Nurse more options than many expected at the season’s outset.

As the game unfolded, fans were treated to a fast-paced, high-scoring affair—exactly what the stats predicted. Both teams traded runs, with Maxey showcasing his signature quickness and playmaking, while Podziemski and the Warriors bench did their best to keep pace. The absence of Curry and Embiid was felt, but the energy in the building never waned. With every possession, the stakes seemed to rise, and the playoff implications loomed large for both squads.

For those watching at home or streaming online, the broadcast teams highlighted the unique nature of the matchup: two storied franchises, each missing their marquee names, battling for crucial wins as the season’s second half heated up. The commentary, as always, captured the drama and unpredictability of NBA basketball. As one broadcaster noted, "This is a test of depth and resilience for both teams. The stars may be out, but the intensity is all the way up."

As the final quarter approached, the outcome remained very much in doubt. Would Maxey’s heroics be enough to extend Philadelphia’s streak, or would the Warriors’ home-court magic prevail once again? One thing was certain: fans witnessed a spirited contest that showcased the grit and determination of both teams, even as injuries and suspensions threatened to derail their seasons.

With the action ongoing and both teams refusing to back down, this matchup between the 76ers and Warriors has proven to be a true test of depth, adaptability, and heart—hallmarks of great NBA basketball. The final result may still be up in the air, but the drama and excitement have already made this game one to remember in a season full of twists and turns.