The Philadelphia 76ers are eager to reset and make noise in the Eastern Conference in 2026 with renewed focus after a 2024–25 campaign disrupted by injuries. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has quickly become a bright spot for the team, drawing positive attention from head coach Nick Nurse and analysts across the league.
The Sixers’ draft position improved during the 2025 NBA Draft lottery when their protected first-round pick did not transfer to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The selection jumped from No. 5 to No. 3 overall, which gave the president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, and his front office the chance to select Edgecombe.
Edgecombe officially began his professional journey at the team’s media day on September 26, 2025, in Camden, New Jersey, where he posed for photos wearing jersey No. 77. Since then, he has participated in preseason games, including appearances during the team’s trip to Abu Dhabi earlier in October.
Following a practice session earlier this month, Nick Nurse spoke about what has impressed him most about the rookie’s early development. Nurse stated, “I’ve probably been most impressed with his IQ. He really knows what’s happening. He asks super thoughtful questions. He learns something from the film one day and applies it immediately to the floor the next.” Nurse also discussed Edgecombe’s defensive ability, saying, “Getting over screens, he does that at an amazing level. You can screen him all day and maybe never get him off his man.”
Nick Nurse on what’s surprised him the post about VJ Edgecombe: “Getting over screens. He does that at an amazing level. You can screen him all day and maybe never get him off his man.”
“I’ve been most impressed by his IQ…He learns something from the film one day and applies… pic.twitter.com/8136VvVWsR
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) October 15, 2025
Edgecombe’s progress has come at an important time for the 76ers. With Quentin Grimes still adjusting to the team and Jared McCain recovering from surgery, the rookie could play a larger role in the backcourt during the early part of the season. He will have one final opportunity to prepare before the regular season begins when the Sixers play the Minnesota Timberwolves in their preseason finale.
In that preseason finale on October 19, 2025, in Camden, New Jersey, Edgecombe scored 26 points against Minnesota, making 2 of 6 three-point attempts and 4-for-16 from deep across three preseason contests.
After the performance, Nurse provided an update on Edgecombe’s shooting work. “Progress has been really good,” he said. “From technically, the things that we’ve done, he’s corrected. He really has worked hard on it, and now to me, it’s just a matter of getting them up there. He’s got to take them in real NBA games and meaningful shots, and to me, it’s just a matter of time.”
Edgecombe has continued to work on his shot beyond scheduled practices. On October 19, he stayed after practice with assistant coach Rico Hines for additional shooting drills. Nurse said, “You got to get those reps into you. The opportunities are there. The guys are collapsing down, finding him. He’s got some good looks, and I’m super confident he’s going to make them.”
Rookie VJ Edgecombe working on his shooting with assistant Rico Hines after practice today #Sixers pic.twitter.com/qGwUVbZXHP
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) October 19, 2025
As Philadelphia turns its attention to the regular season, betting markets have set their lines for the team and its players. According to ESPN BET as of October 22, 2025, the Boston Celtics are 2.5-point favorites over the Sixers for the season opener, with an over/under of 227.5 points and moneyline odds of Boston −140 and Philadelphia +120.
For futures, BetMGM lists the Sixers’ win total at 42.5, while DraftKings and Caesars show lines between 43.5 and 44.5. Philadelphia’s playoff odds stand at −250, which indicates about a 71% chance of qualifying. The team’s championship odds are listed between +3300 and +4000 at major sportsbooks such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.
Edgecombe has also entered the Rookie of the Year race. DraftKings currently lists him around +1000, behind top prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. According to WagerTalk, his chances depend on how much playing time he receives during the season. Sports Illustrated has noted that his strong preseason and consistent work habits have helped him maintain a competitive spot in the award market.
Injury news has affected betting stability. Reuters reported that Joel Embiid returned during the preseason after undergoing knee surgery in April. Paul George and Jared McCain are both expected to miss the season opener. On Boston’s side, Jaylen Brown’s hamstring and Jayson Tatum’s Achilles recovery have been listed as ongoing concerns.
Action Network data from the final 24 hours before the game shows that the Celtics remain 2.5-point favorites, with steady betting activity on both sides and no major line movement.
