Philadelphia 76ers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring) and Dennis Smith Jr. (back) are listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nets have been without Walker since late November. It's a shame because he was playing well before the injury, so hopefully he can provide that spark again once he's healthy. Smith sat out their last game, but it was the second game of a back-to-back set. He'd have a bigger role if Walker remains out. Otherwise, Smith won't be an ideal streaming option with Walker back in the mix on Friday.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse says there won't be any minute restrictions for center Joel Embiid (ankle) in his return to Tuesday's lineup versus the Chicago Bulls. The Sixers went 2-2 during Embiid's four-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, and they'll get a full dose of the NBA's leading scorer if needed against this undermanned Bulls team. Embiid is right back in the MVP conversation after taking home the 2022-23 award. In his last nine games before going down, Embiid was recording an incredible 40.2 points (60.6% shooting from the field), 12.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 triples, and 3.5 combined steals plus blocks per contest. Paul Reed will revert back to Philly's bench on Tuesday after being a serviceable fantasy streamer, and he can also be returned to waiver wires for the time being.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring) won't return to the court Tuesday versus New Orleans. He's been trending towards a return, but unfortunately, still isn't good to go. Walker IV missed the entire December and has been absent for 15 games in total. Before running into health issues, the 25-year-old enjoyed a very good start to the campaign, and he still remains Brooklyn's fourth-best scorer with 14.6 points. Walker IV's next chance to return comes on Wednesday versus Houston.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The superstar big man has missed each of the last four games due to a right ankle sprain. Luckily, it appears the reigning MVP is ready to get back on the court. There is no word on whether or not Embiid is going to be limited during his first game back. Regardless, fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel comfortable getting Embiid back in their lineups. His return should shift Paul Reed back to the bench where he'll have less streaming value.

Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (head) will play on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Lowry hasn't been as productive this season, averaging 9.4 points, his lowest in years. But with Jimmy Butler (foot), Josh Richardson (back), and Caleb Martin (ankle) out, Lowry could see an uptick in production. Unfortunately, he's still a risky fantasy option in any format.