Jabari

Walker

Walker had 16 points in 18 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, but has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Nets with an illness. The 76ers are going to be severely shorthanded once again as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre and Andre Drummond are all out again. With Adem Bona (back) still questionable, it’s reasonable to assume Dominick Barlow and Trendon Watford will see minutes in this game.

Already without Joel Embiid and Adem Bona, the 76ers won’t have Drummond for Thursday’s game, either. Expect to see plenty of Jabari Walker, and he’s worth streaming despite the challenging matchup.

Joel Embiid (oblique) is also out, and Andre Drummond (back spasms) is questionable, so the 76ers will be very short-handed against a Pistons team with a talented frontcourt. If Drummond can’t play, the 76ers will likely turn to Dominick Barlow as more of a small-ball center with Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker playing more minutes.

Bona is dealing with a sore back. With Joel Embiid (oblique) still out, the 76ers would rely mainly on Andre Drummond and Jabari Walker if Bona can’t play against the Pistons.

Edgecombe could return to action following a three-game absence, and his return would mean less minutes for Quentin Grimes and Jabari Walker. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Edgecombe’s status ahead of Tuesday’s tip-off.

Edgecombe will miss a third straight game, and Quentin Grimes should continue to start in his place. Jabari Walker is also in line for an expanded role in Philadelphia’s rotation. Grimes and Walker are great pickups as Philadelphia has five games on the schedule for Week 20.

There’s no such thing as “garbage time” when you’re looking to earn more opportunities. Walker made the most of his minutes in Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Spurs, scoring 20 points and earning rotation minutes on Wednesday. The 76ers forward put up an efficient 22 points and recorded a double-double against the Jazz, making some personal history. This is the first time in Walker’s NBA career that he’s scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. The 76ers don’t play again until Saturday in Atlanta, so some of the absent players could be available. If not, don’t be surprised if head coach Nick Nurse gives Walker another opportunity. He’s earned it.

There aren’t typically bright spots in a 40-point loss, but Walker was able to have a solid night off the bench. He earned a two-year contract over the All-Star break after playing well to start the year on a two-way deal. This was a new season high for scoring for him, though managers shouldn’t expect this type of production to come consistently.

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.