76ers forward Jabari Walker was downgraded from day-to-day to out on Thursday because of a left knee issue. He will miss Friday's home game against the Knicks.
What happened
Jabari Walker is out for Friday's game against New York. The injury report filed Thursday at 5:45 p.m. ET moved him from day-to-day to out. The issue is his left knee. The report's comment: "Walker (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus New York." His status has changed back and forth all week. He was listed day-to-day on Oct. 24, out on Oct. 25, day-to-day on Oct. 26, and out on Oct. 27. Earlier Thursday he was upgraded to day-to-day before the latest downgrade.
What it means for the 76ers
Philadelphia hosts the Knicks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video. The 76ers are 4-1, sit second in the standings and won their last game. Walker has played a small role. Across three games he averages 6.4 minutes, 2.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists. The team is 3-0 when he plays and 1-1 without him. In the games he missed, Dean Wade played 27.3 minutes and LeBron James played 33.3 minutes in the frontcourt. Joel Embiid averaged 35.6 minutes. Jaylen Brown, who played 36.3 minutes in those games, is day-to-day with a knee issue of his own.
What to watch
The injury report lists Oct. 31 as Walker's expected return date. His status has changed four times in six days, so the next report matters. The 76ers' frontcourt depth is also thin. Dominick Barlow (back), Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles) and Tacko Fall (left quadriceps) are all out. Brown is day-to-day. Philadelphia's next game is Friday against the Knicks.
Is Jabari Walker playing vs Knicks on Friday?
No. The injury report has ruled him out of Friday's game against New York because of a left knee issue.
When will Jabari Walker be back?
The injury report lists Oct. 31 as his expected return date. No game after Friday's has been named for his return.