VJ

Edgecombe

Payne strained his right hamstring during the first half of Saturday’s loss to the Pistons. While his availability does not affect fantasy basketball, it does cut into Philadelphia’s depth at point guard. VJ Edgecombe may have to do a bit more, especially when Tyrese Maxey is not in the game. The two-week timeframe means that Payne would not be available for the Play-In tournament if Philadelphia can’t earn a top-six seed.

Limited to eight points in his last outing, Edgecombe more than doubled that number on Saturday. The 76ers’ rookie did not have the most efficient night, but he did finish with a complete stat line. With the 76ers still fighting for seeding in the East, fantasy managers whose leagues run through Week 24 should benefit from Edgecombe having four games on the schedule.

The 76ers’ need to insert their starters back into Wednesday’s game during the fourth quarter paid dividends for fantasy managers rostering Edgecombe. The rookie shot 3-of-5 from the field in the period, scoring seven points to go along with three assists. Edgecombe finished with his seventh double-double of the season and second of the points/assists variety.

With Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid all available the last two games, Edgecombe has taken a back seat scoring-wise. Of course, this is an unsurprising development, considering the pedigree of the 76ers’ three veteran leaders. On Monday, Edgecombe shot the ball well and provided solid value in assists and steals. Continuing to do so will be critical for his fantasy value in the 76ers’ final games of Week 23.

Edgecombe had scored at least 35 points in two of his last three games, but it’s difficult to project that ceiling with Joel Embiid and Paul George back in the lineup. Both Embiid and George took more shots than the 20-year-old point guard on Wednesday. Edgecombe was efficient with 22 points on nine attempts and four three-pointers, but his volume took a hit.

Edgecombe has now had at least 35 points in two of his last three games. In between those outings, he was able to grab a career-high 13 rebounds in Saturday’s win over the Jazz. The 20-year-old point guard has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The 76ers have two more games in Week 22 with a matchup against the Bulls on Wednesday coming next.

Edgecombe experienced an injury scare during Saturday’s game, as a Kyle Filipowski elbow to the face prompted a trip to the locker room during the second quarter. The good news for fantasy managers was that the rookie returned and ultimately logged 39 minutes. Edgecombe’s 13 rebounds were a season-high, and he finished with his sixth double-double. The 76ers play three games in Week 22, starting with the Thunder on Monday.

Edgecombe established multiple season-highs in Thursday’s victory, doing so in points, made field goals and assists. Regarding what the 76ers hope to get from their prized rookie, with Tyrese Maxey (finger) sidelined, he delivered. The last time a 76ers rookie scored at least 38 points in a game was January 2021, when Maxey did it. With the 76ers ending their Week 21 with a game against the Jazz on Saturday, Edgecombe could be in for another huge night.

Edgecombe sliding over in the starting point guard role in Tyrese Maxey’s stead has not resulted in a groundswell of assists. However, he did hit double figures in rebounds for the fourth time on Sunday, and fantasy managers also benefited from the blocked shots and percentages. Even with the 76ers playing three games in Week 21, Edgecombe’s role has raised his fantasy ceiling. Whether he reaches it will depend on his progression as a playmaker for others.

After a solid showing in Tuesday’s win over the Grizzlies, his first after a three-game absence with a back injury, Edgecombe struggled in Detroit. Not only did he miss all five of his three-point attempts, but the rookie shot 3-of-9 from two and did not record an assist. Saturday’s matchup with the Nets should be far more forgiving for Edgecombe, as Brooklyn is headed back to the draft lottery.