Justin

Edwards

Grimes had been on quite a roll recently, averaging 24.6 points per game over his last five appearances and excelling as Philadelphia’s main scorer amidst injuries to several key Sixers. With him unavailable against OKC, Justin Edwards and Trendon Watford could be the ones who soak up most of those vacant minutes.

Grimes is a late addition to the injury report, and that’s bad news for a Sixers team that will already be missing Kelly Oubre Jr., Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid. MarJon Beauchamp and Justin Edwards should take on expanded roles, while Jabari Walker and Trendon Watford could see increased run, too.

VJ Edgecombe wasn’t the only 76ers player to finish Thursday’s victory with a career-high point total. Edwards, who shot 7-of-11 from deep, finished with the first 30-point game of his NBA career. He may not have offered much beyond the points and three-pointers, but the few who streamed Edwards aren’t going to be upset with the return.

Edwards has started the 76ers’ last three games, and his points tally has increased in each. He finished Sunday’s victory with his first 20-point game since November 11 and second of the season. While the overall stat line was somewhat lean, the few who streamed Edwards aren’t doing much complaining. His place in the starting lineup moving forward depends on Kelly Oubre Jr., who has been out with a sprained left elbow. The 76ers play three games in Week 21, starting with the Nuggets on Tuesday.

Edwards missed all three of his three-point attempts, but otherwise had a fantastic game in the win over the Nets on Saturday. The 22-year-old small forward isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues, but should continue to see more opportunities with the 76ers still dealing with injuries.

Due to Philadelphia’s many injuries, Edwards has re-entered the rotation for the last three games. The 28 minutes he played against the Cavaliers were the most for the second-year wing since late November, and he took advantage of the opportunity. The 14 points were the most in a game for Edwards since November 11, when he scored a season-high 22 in a win over the Celtics. Edwards is not someone who has to be picked up in fantasy leagues, but he’ll have more opportunities to contribute during Philadelphia’s final four games of Week 20.

Grimes missed Philadelphia’s last two games before the All-Star break. His return means fewer minutes for Justin Edwards, and MarJon Beauchamp (G League) is likely to be inactive.

Grimes will miss a second consecutive game as he continues to deal with an illness. On Monday, his absence led to more minutes for Justin Edwards and MarJon Beauchamp, with the latter making his 76ers debut. Neither player should be streamed here.

Grimes was unable to play in Monday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, which led to more minutes for Justin Edwards. Also, MarJon Beauchamp played 20 minutes off the bench in his first game as a 76er. Neither he nor Edwards is worth the streaming risk if Grimes remains out.

Grimes is a very late addition to the injury report and could leave plenty of minutes available off the bench. Justin Edwards should be in line for an extended role if Grimes ends up missing this game, though his upside for fantasy managers will be limited.