Tyrese Maxey returns, but the Philadelphia 76ers fall to the New York Knicks at home as the long streak continues.

South Philly was surprised by the sudden absence of Paul George on Tuesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers ruled out the nine-time NBA All-Star roughly 30 minutes before tipping off against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined with a sprained right thumb — and as The Post first reported, also a bone chip in the same digit — the Knicks flushed a 16-point first-half lead before barely pulling out a 125-119 overtime win Wednesday night over the Sixers at Wells Fargo Center.

The New York Knicks ruled All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns out of Wednesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night due to a sprained right thumb. Towns initially went from questionable to doubtful because of the injury and eventually was ruled out of the contest.

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Two banged up teams meet under the Liberty Bell. Both need the sweet refreshment of victory. Cue the Rocky theme.