VJ Edgecombe records double-double vs. Milwaukee

Edgecombe suffered the injury in Saturday’s contest against the Bucks, and is now sidelined for the second leg of the back-to-back.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will get the start in place of Edgecombe on Sunday. After not being on the initial injury report, this is something fantasy managers should watch over the next few days.

Edgecombe took a knee to the groin during Saturday’s win over the Bucks. He returned to action after a brief exit, but the 76ers guard didn’t look completely comfortable at times. Edgecombe wasn’t on the initial injury report, so the update is concerning for those hoping for one last quality performance to end Week 1.

Given Edgecombe’s importance to the 76ers, Monday’s decision was unsurprising. His contract for the 2027-28 season will be worth a little over $12.2 million.

Edgecombe woke up sore ahead of Friday’s preseason finale against the Celtics and did not play. His health has improved since then, and 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said the second-year guard is on track to be available for Tuesday’s season opener. Edgecombe will take his usual starting spot alongside fellow guard Tyrese Maxey.

Without LeBron James, Jaylen Brown or Joel Embiid in the lineup, it was Edgecombe that led the 76ers with 14 first-half points. The 21-year-old phenom flashed his speed and athleticism on an early baseline drive to the basket that resulted in a three-point play before knocking down a three-pointer shortly afterwards. His most impressive moment came with 7:48 left in the opening half when he took on a pair of Celtics defenders to finish strong at the rim for a three-point play. He’s the single-biggest unknown variable for Philadelphia as his play style and pace seems to be dramatically different from everyone besides Tyrese Maxey. He’ll come off the board as a top-60 range pick in most fantasy drafts this fall.

The 76ers played only two of their expected starters in Monday’s preseason opener: Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown. Both looked sharp, with VJ running the offense more than he likely will once Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James hit the court. Edgecombe dished out seven assists without committing a turnover and also showed flashes of the scoring ability that made him one of the league’s top rookies. While Philadelphia’s loaded lineup may limit Edgecombe’s fantasy ceiling, his floor should be safe.

Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe all received 100 first-place votes, with Harper’s 93 votes not far behind. Cedric Coward’s 29 first-place votes were the least of the first-teamers. Meanwhile, Derik Queen, Maxime Raynaud, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Colin Murray-Boyles were named to the All-Rookie Second team.

Edgecombe’s outstanding rookie season ended disappointingly, as he missed all six of his three-point attempts in Game 4. The series was a learning experience for the rookie guard, who shot 40.4 percent from the field. Between Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers’ future appears to be bright, especially on the perimeter. VJ’s fantasy value for 2026-27 depends partially on the availability of Paul George and Joel Embiid, who both played fewer than 40 games this season. Edgecombe’s fantasy floor will be fine, but his ceiling may be limited if George and Embiid are consistently available.

After scoring 23 points in Saturday’s Game 7 victory over the Celtics, Edgecombe’s point total in Monday’s series opener was nearly half that. He wasn’t the only 76ers player held in check, as Philadelphia looked tired and shot 41.1 percent from the field. By comparison, the Knicks made 63.1 percent of their attempts in the 137-98 rout. Edgecombe and the 76ers will look to even the series at one game apiece when the teams meet again on Wednesday.

Edgecombe gave the 76ers vital contributions on both ends of the floor to help get the team into the second round. The rookie knocked down five three-pointers on Saturday, and his third-quarter defense on Boston’s Derrick White was also critical. After scoring 19 points in the first half, White was limited to two points in the third quarter, with Edgecombe taking on that assignment. His ability on both ends of the floor will also be important in the 76ers’ second-round series against the Knicks, which opens on Monday.