Philadelphia

76ers

Edgecombe recorded a complete stat line against the Heat, and he’s picked up the production since the All-Star break. The rookie guard has scored at least 19 points in four of his last five games, providing third-round per-game value in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. With Dallas’ Cooper Flagg currently injured and not a lock to hit the 65-game minimum needed to be eligible for postseason awards, Edgecombe is someone who should be mentioned more often in Rookie of the Year conversations than he already is.

Since shooting 0-of-6 from the field and scoring two points in the 76ers’ February 11 blowout loss to the Knicks, Oubre has hit double figures in five straight games. This run includes two games with at least 21, with the 76ers’ wing producing a solid stat line against the Heat. Rostered in 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Oubre has been a top-100 player in nine-cat formats. With Paul George suspended for 13 more games, Oubre is worth the risk in some 12-team leagues if he’s still on the waiver wire.

While Embiid’s knee has been the focus of most fantasy managers’ attention this season, it was his ribs that were the problem on Thursday. The 7-footer took an inadvertent hit to his right side during the second quarter and appeared to struggle with the pain at various points for the rest of the game. However, this didn’t keep Embiid from knocking down a dagger three-pointer with 29.2 seconds remaining, giving the 76ers a 124-117 lead that would hold as the final score. The good news is that Philadelphia is off until Sunday. Hopefully, that time off benefits Embiid.

Maxey had it rolling during the first quarter of Thursday’s game, scoring 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. He made three three-pointers during the period, surpassing Allen Iverson for the most made three-pointers by a 76er. Maxey would make two more, pushing his tally to 887 in his 76ers’ career, but he cooled off after a hot start. The good news for fantasy managers is that the overall stat line compensated for the damage done by his poor field-goal percentage. The 76ers end their Week 18 slate on Sunday in Boston.

Embiid is good to go after initially being listed as probable for Thursday’s game. He played 26 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, and fantasy managers should expect to see Embiid take on a similar workload. Andre Drummond will likely fall out of the rotation entirely, with Adem Bona serving as the backup.

Embiid returned to the 76ers’ lineup on Tuesday, logging 26 minutes in a win over the Pacers. He should take on a similar workload against the Heat, and the former MVP doesn’t need to play heavy minutes to provide elite fantasy value.

Three 76ers scored at least 23 points in Tuesday’s victory, with Edgecombe joining Tyrese Maxey (32) and Joel Embiid (27). The rookie guard has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four outings, continuing to provide solid production as the 76ers continue without the suspended Paul George. Philadelphia returns home for its next game, Thursday night against the Heat.

While he wasn’t as explosive as he was in Sunday’s win over the Timberwolves, Maxey has now scored at least 30 points in two straight and four of his last six games. Even better for fantasy managers was the overall line, with the 76ers’ guard finishing one rebound and two assists shy of a triple-double. Philadelphia plays two more games in Week 18, starting with the Heat on Thursday.

Back in the 76ers’ lineup for the first time since February 7, Embiid started and played 26 minutes on Tuesday. A combination of an unspecified minutes limit and Philadelphia winning by a 135-114 final score helped with the management of the 7-footer’s workload. Embiid was effective while on the floor, even if his mobility remains an issue. Philadelphia’s final two games of Week 8 are on Thursday and Sunday; hopefully, that ensures fantasy managers of two more Embiid games.

Following a five-game absence, Embiid will be back in the lineup to take on Indiana. His return will push Andre Drummond back to the bench, though managers shouldn’t rush to drop him since Embiid could still miss time moving forward.