With the Philadelphia 76ers' 2025-26 season opener against the Boston Celtics a matter of days away -- and with veteran wing Paul George not expected to be available to feature in this game -- fans are still left in a realm of uncertainty over which player will fill the power forward role.
Well, Sixers' head coach Nick Nurse's latest comments suggest that question should be answered during the franchise's preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by the devastating Anthony Edwards.
According to Adam Aaronson, 76ers beat writer for The Philly Voice, Nurse told reporters that the primary aim of the Timberwolves matchup is to have the "main guys playing as long and as much together as we can."
Nick Nurse says the main goal of tomorrow’s preseason finale is to have “main guys playing as long and as much together as we can.”
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) October 16, 2025
The question remains: which 'guy' is going to be utilised in George's usual vacancy?
Dominick Barlow is the most likely option
Despite only featuring on 35 occasions for the Atlanta Hawks throughout the 2024-25 season, Dominick Barlow has displayed attributes that could allow him to become a productive component in Philadelphia's game plan.
For several seasons, the Sixers have lacked a dominant presence in the paint when franchise star Joel Embiid is not on the floor. Barlow has showcased his physicality and impressive rebounding ability during his 76ers' preseason cameos.
The 22-year-old forward has averaged eight points and seven rebounds over three preseason games so far, while also registering a ten-rebound performance against the New York Knicks, who chose to field two brilliant board-grabbing bigs in Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Barlow's youthful energy on the glass and willingness to allow the offense to flow through scorers who possess more dangerous traits have provided the 76ers with a unique balance that the team lacked in its previous calamitous campaign.
Quentin Grimes or VJ Edgcombe could play in the four
Nick Nurse has made no secret of his desire to field four-guard lineups over the season in certain stretches -- something he can trial given the strength of depth the Sixers have in the backcourt. This could see Quentin Grimes or VJ Edgecombe given the responsibility of playing in the power forward position.
Both players possess the versatility to excel in this position due to their athleticism and ability to shoot from deep with potency. Neither guard will wish to be fielded in a position they are not accustomed to playing in, but their team could reap the benefits from this experiment.
Throughout the three preseason matchups so far, Philadelphia has shown a willingness to make the next pass and prioritise ball movement, rather than allowing Tyrese Maxey to attempt countless ISO possessions. Having a fourth guard on the floor can enhance the franchise's capability of utilizing this playing style to full effect.
A fourth guard on the floor also provides the 76ers with the opportunity to rotate the primary ball handler after several possessions if that particular player is struggling to have a beneficial impact on proceedings.
The Philadelphia 76ers' head coach has an abundance of options at his disposal for the upcoming NBA season. Nevertheless, given his recent comments on which players will start when the season commences, Sixers fans should know their opening night starting five come the end of their preseason finale.