Nicolas

Batum

Tucker exercised his $11.5 million player option to remain in LA back on June 28, but the organization doesn’t have the 39-year-old forward in its plans moving forward. Tucker is expected to be waived or traded which means more frontcourt run for the likes of Nic Batum, Mo Bamba and Amir Coffey.

Batum was sent to Philly last season as part of the James Harden deal early in the season. Before that, he had been with the Clippers for three straight seasons, and now he’ll rejoin the squad. He may be asked to play a larger role with Paul George now in Philly, which could lead to him being fairly productive in fantasy hoops. However, at his age, the expectations should be low.

While Batum gave the 76ers solid minutes last season, re-signing him is not a priority, with Paul George and Klay Thompson being rumored targets. Batum should land with a team with playoff ambitions, but he’s unlikely to do enough to offer reliable fantasy value.

Needing a spark after falling behind by a 33-11 margin, 76ers coach Nick Nurse called on Hield for the first time since Game 3. Give the veteran sharpshooter credit for staying ready, as he came out hot and finished with 20 points off the bench after scoring two in Games 1 through 3. Nicolas Batum also had a good night off the bench, accounting for 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and three 3-pointers in 28 minutes. Hield and Batum are in a similar spot heading into the offseason, as they will be unrestricted free agents. The former offers a higher fantasy ceiling, but that would likely require him to land a starting role with a non-contender. As for Batum, he’ll spark interest among playoff-caliber teams needing a 3-and-D wing.

Despite missing the 76ers’ pregame shootaround, Oubre was probable on the initial injury report. He will play in Game 5, with 76ers coach Nick Nurse saying that “it’s a matter of how far he can go” regarding how much Oubre plays. Nicolas Batum and DeAnthony Melton can play additional minutes if Kelly is limited.

Batum hasn’t been much more than a veteran rotation piece that can come away with some defensive stats and threes this season, but he stepped up in the biggest way possible in this game. He made a big play late with a block on a 3-point attempt from Tyler Herro, and he was able to set new season-highs with 20 points and six 3-pointers. He has started some this season, though he will continue to come off the bench as long as the team is fully healthy. It’s unlikely, but he’ll look to keep the heroics going against New York.

Martin has logged at least 21 minutes in three straight games, but he’s benefited from the absences of Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. Regardless, Martin’s absence should free up some additional playing time for the likes of Nic Batum and Ricky Council IV.

Harris is back after missing three games with a knee contusion. This likely results in Nicolas Batum moving to the bench, although Tyrese Maxey’s absence could change that. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Batum is not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Harris has missed Philadelphia’s last three games, with Nicolas Batum filling the void in the starting lineup. Batum offers limited value in fantasy leagues, and that’s if he can provide a few 3-pointers.

The 76ers initially announced that Hield would start, but Batum will receive the nod for defensive reasons. Hield is still worth rostering, as the 76ers are without Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, but the lineup change gives Batum a slight boost.