Sixers Rule Dominick Barlow Out for Two Weeks With Back Injury

Philadelphia will begin its 2026-27 NBA season with reduced frontcourt depth after the 76ers confirmed Monday, October 19, that forward Dominick Barlow has a lumbar spine bone stress response. The 23-year-old will miss at least two weeks before being reevaluated, leaving the team without a key rotation player ahead of Tuesday night's opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

According to the 76ers' announcement, Barlow's diagnosis followed imaging examinations after he missed the entire preseason with back problems. His absence adds to existing injuries affecting the team's reserve options at center and forward, with three additional players listed as questionable for the season opener.

Barlow averaged 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals in 23.8 minutes per game during the 2025-26 season, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. He appeared in 71 games after beginning the previous campaign on a two-way contract and is expected to provide power forward depth and a small-ball center option when healthy.

Head coach Nick Nurse previously described Barlow's condition as soreness that required additional rest. Nurse said the team was giving the forward time away from activity in hopes of improving his condition, although no specific return date had been established before the latest medical update.

Philadelphia also listed center Adem Bona with a left foot sprain, forward Dean Wade with a left ankle sprain and guard Anfernee Simons with left hamstring soreness and tightness. All three were questionable for the Knicks game, according to the team's injury report.

Wade missed practice Monday after injuring his ankle during the preseason finale, Nurse said. He subsequently shot around following the session, while Bona and Simons had participated in recent practices after missing the preseason games.

Bona said his availability would depend on the coaching and medical staffs, describing his status as day to day. Simons also declined to confirm whether he would play in the opener.

The frontcourt shortage extends beyond Barlow, with Ariel Hukporti sidelined for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the first preseason game. Tacko Fall, who signed a two-way contract on Saturday, was also unavailable because of a left quadriceps strain, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

These absences leave Joel Embiid as the starting center, with Bona expected to serve as his backup if cleared to play. Barlow's versatility would provide another option for Nurse once the forward returns, but the team faces immediate limitations while several reserve players recover from injuries.

In separate roster news, Philadelphia guaranteed the third year of VJ Edgecombe's rookie contract, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft averaged 16 points per game during his rookie season and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.

Edgecombe will earn $11.7 million in the 2026-27 season, with his third-year salary set at $12.2 million and his fourth-year salary at $15.4 million. He could become a restricted free agent after completing the contract.

The 76ers are scheduled to open their regular season against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, with Barlow ruled out and the availability of Bona, Wade and Simons still uncertain.