Coach Nick Nurse evaluates the Philadelphia 76ers backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe through the first five games.

The Philadelphia 76ers have come out swinging this season, as they left the first week with a spotless 4-0 record. Most of their wins haven’t been the prettiest

Paul George (left knee surgery recovery), Dominick Barlow (right elbow laceration) and Jared McCain (right thumb surgery recovery) have been ruled out for the Sixers’ matchup with the 2-3 Celtics. Barlow will miss at least the next two games and be re-evaluated early next week, a team official said.

Is it safe to root for the Sixers again? The Inquirer's Keith Pompey responds to your queries, optimism, and trepidation.

The Sixers came back from 19 points down to beat Washington 139-134 in overtime on Tuesday in D.C. Tyrese Maxey posted game highs of 39 points and 10 assists in 47 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. Joel Embiid scored 25 points in 23 minutes, while Quentin Grimes added 23 points off the bench.

The way the Sixers have played this season (and the wins) are fresh and exciting, but a seismic shift isn't for the best.

Maxey was a big catalyst for the comeback. He had 39 points--23 in the fourth quarter and overtime--as he spearheaded the effort for the Sixers. He played 47 minutes in a Herculean effort as he played 42 minutes just the night before. The All-Star guard certainly put on a show for the fans.