Lonnie

Walker IV

Walker started last season in EuroLeague before signing with the 76ers in February. Now, he’ll return to be one of the highest-paid players in Europe. He reportedly has an NBA buyout clause until August 1, so there is still a small chance that he signs to remain in the NBA for next season. However, it is far more likely that he spends at least next season in Europe.

Walker signed with the 76ers right after the All-Star break and ended up having a solid season for them, albeit in just 20 appearances. He ended it on a high note with new season highs for both points and three-pointers. He averaged 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 triples in 23.8 minutes per game this season. The 76ers have a team option to keep Walker for another season, but with the team healthy heading into next year, it’s unlikely that he replicates these numbers.

Yabusele is set to miss his fourth straight game and all signs point to Marcus Bagley filling in at power forward. Lonnie Walker will likely hold onto his starting role with Justin Edwards out.

With Quentin Grimes joining Philadelphia’s lengthy list of inactive players, Council moves into the starting lineup. He’s worth slotting into lineups in active fantasy leagues due to Philadelphia’s lack of options. Walker will also have added value due to the need for his scoring.

Philadelphia has no reason to make their players play through minor ailments, especially players as good as Grimes. His absence will help improve their lottery odds. Lonnie Walker IV and Jared Butler should be in line for extra minutes and shots with Grimes sidelined.

Friday’s game will be the third Edwards has missed since injuring his ribs on April 5. Lonnie Walker IV has replaced the rookie in the starting lineup and should continue to do so. The former first-round pick should be rostered in active fantasy leagues, as the 76ers will also be without Quentin Grimes on Friday.

Grimes has been doing it all for the Sixers lately, and his absence would be a huge loss for the team. With Edwards also banged up, Lonnie Walker IV and Jared Butler should see more playing time, with Walker IV the preferred fantasy option.

While Grimes is good to go for Wednesday’s game, Edwards will miss a second straight. Lonnie Walker IV should remain in the starting lineup, which raises his ceiling in active fantasy leagues.

Justin Edwards’s absence from the 76ers’ lineup opened up a spot for Walker, who made the most of his opportunity. The former first-round pick recorded season highs in points and three-pointers, providing solid value in those categories. The problem for managers whose leagues remain active is that Walker did not do much else in Miami. That said, you take what you can get this time of the year from players who were not on the fantasy radar until the “silly season.”

With Justin Edwards out due to injury and Guerschon Yabusele for personal reasons, the 76ers had two voids to fill in their starting lineup. Walker and Bagley move into the starting five, with the former being the safer streaming choice for managers in active leagues.