Dominick

Barlow

One day removed from informing the Lakers of his decision to move on, James has received interest from multiple teams in free agency. Golden State, Cleveland and Miami have been mentioned in various reports, and now Philadelphia has reportedly thrown its hat into the ring. The 76ers made a major move on Wednesday, acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Celtics for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. On paper, Philadelphia’s current roster has the look of a contender in the East, even without James. Adding LeBron to the mix would round out their starting lineup, pushing Dominick Barlow to the bench after he started for most of the 2025-26 campaign.

After beginning training camp competing for a spot in the 76ers’ rotation, the combination of his play and injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George led to Barlow becoming a fixture in the starting lineup. Starting 59 of the 71 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23.8 minutes. Barlow’s production wasn’t enough to make him a consistent factor in fantasy basketball. Still, the recent injury histories of Embiid and George mean he should offer streaming value at a minimum.

Right ankle and right hip injuries sidelined Embiid for Game 2, a defeat that dropped the 76ers into a 0-2 hole. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, but the rotation behind the former MVP is likely to be adjusted. Dominick Barlow, who played well in Game 2, may take on some backup center minutes because his defense is superior to Andre Drummond’s when switched onto a Knicks guard, most notably Jalen Brunson. Joining Embiid in the starting lineup are Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Ankle and hip injuries kept Embiid out of Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat. While Andre Drummond started, the 76ers were more effective with either Adem Bona or Dominick Barlow at the five, specifically to deal with the two-man game between New York’s Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. If Embiid remains out, expect to see more of Bona and Barlow.

Oubre moved into the starting lineup on Saturday, his first start since returning from an elbow injury. And he struggled, shooting 25 percent from the field and not offering much value outside of the rebounds. Dominick Barlow, who moved to the bench, finished with eight points (3-of-6 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot in 29 minutes. Philadelphia begins a four-game Week 24 in San Antonio on Monday.

Oubre did not start in his first game back from an elbow injury, but the playing time was not an issue. He logged 28 minutes while starter Dominick Barlow (three points and two rebounds) played 15. The question is, how long will 76ers head coach Nick Nurse stick with Barlow as his starter? During the preseason, the expectation was that Philadelphia would go small, with Oubre and Paul George being the starting forwards. However, the combination of injuries and Barlow’s play led to him starting. That may change ahead of the playoffs, possibly as soon as Monday in Miami.

Oubre is officially back after missing close to three weeks with a sprained left elbow. He’ll come off the bench against the Hornets, with Dominick Barlow remaining in the starting five. Barlow’s playing time is likely to decrease, so his fantasy value will take a hit.

While Oubre said earlier Friday that he plans to play on Saturday, the 76ers are officially listing him as questionable. The question regarding Oubre’s role is whether he’ll return to the starting lineup immediately upon his return. Dominick Barlow is the player to watch, as he would be the odd man out if Oubre starts.

The 76ers won’t have Quentin Grimes for Monday’s game, as he is out due to illness. Beauchamp moves into the starting lineup, and while the change gives him some deep-league upside, he is not worth the risk as a streamer. The other four starters are unchanged, with Barlow back after having to exit Saturday’s win over the Jazz with a sprained left ankle.

Barlow sprained his left ankle, left Saturday’s win over the Jazz and didn’t return. While the 22-year-old small forward was initially listed as doubtful for Monday’s game against the Thunder, he’s available. Trendon Watford could see more minutes if Barlow is limited.