Jabari

Walker

Walker, who was on a two-way deal, maxed out his 50-game limit before the All-Star break. This move ensures that he’ll be available to play in games for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. While Walker’s signing ensures the 76ers of another option in the frontcourt if needed, he’s unlikely to affect fantasy basketball.

Bassey is back with the franchise that selected him with the 53rd overall pick in the 2021 draft. While he himself may not affect fantasy basketball, this is a critical transaction regarding Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker. With the 76ers now on 15 standard contracts, Barlow and Walker can be active for games without concern about the 50-game limit on players on two-way contracts.

Barlow fell hard on his back during the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers and did not return. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the 76ers could look to Jabari Walker to fill the void since Cleveland starts Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. That said, Walker is not a must-stream player in that role, especially since the 76ers could also choose to start Adem Bona alongside Joel Embiid.

Barlow took a hard fall early in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game. After some time in the locker room, he has been ruled out for the rest of the night. Adem Bona and Jabari Walker should see their playing time increase as a result of Barlow’s injury.

Oubre has not appeared in a game since November 14, but that could change on Wednesday. His minutes will likely be restricted, but Oubre’s return would likely mean fewer minutes for Jabari Walker if he doesn’t fall out of the rotation entirely.

With Barlow and Edgecombe back in the lineup, the Sixers’ opening unit will look different from the one that played in the team’s 114-106 loss to the Nets in its most recent game. Their returns move Jabari Walker and Jared McCain back to the Philadelphia bench, where they’ll join Quentin Grimes to form a stronger reserve unit. The Sixers lost their only other matchup with the Bulls back in November, but will have a chance to avenge it on Friday and inch closer to the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

Barlow is back after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Bulls. His return means that Jabari Walker will head back to the bench, and there’s no need to consider rostering him with Barlow back in the lineup.

Barlow is expected to suit up after initially being listed as questionable for this game. He missed Tuesday’s game, which allowed Jabari Walker to start in his place. With Barlow expected back, Walker will head back to the bench and lose the limited streaming appeal he had.

While Barlow’s absence may not significantly affect fantasy basketball, it did open up a spot in the starting lineup. Jabari Walker filled the void but only played 13 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Nets. There’s no need to consider streaming Walker if Barlow remains out.

The 76ers are playing this game without VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Dominick Barlow, which allows McCain and Walker to enter the starting unit. Both McCain and Walker should play significant minutes for the shorthanded Sixers. Embiid’s return pushes Andre Drummond back to the bench.