76ers rule rookie VJ Edgecombe out of Wednesday matchup with Jazz due to bruised back
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PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers will be without standout rookie VJ Edgecombe for Wednesday night’s home game against the Utah Jazz while he recovers from a bruised lower back, the team announced Tuesday.
Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, landed hard after being fouled by San Antonio’s Carter Bryant on a 3-point attempt during Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs. He converted two of three free throws but did not return after halftime, finishing with six points.
The 19-year-old guard will be reevaluated before Saturday’s road contest against the Atlanta Hawks, according to the club.
Edgecombe has averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists, making him one of only three first-year players posting at least 15-5-3 this season. He leads all rookies in steals (1.5 per game), ranks third in scoring, is tied for third in assists and sits seventh in rebounds. He was named MVP of February’s Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend.
Philadelphia will also remain without center Joel Embiid, who is sitting out a third straight game because of a strained right oblique.
Source: ESPN
