The Philadelphia 76ers delivered one of the most thrilling upsets of the 2026 NBA playoffs, stunning the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series on their home floor at TD Garden. But as the saying goes, that might have been their championship moment. Waiting in the second round were the New York Knicks, who made quick work of the Sixers with a merciless sweep. The celebration in Philly was short-lived, and now the franchise—and fantasy managers—must face some tough questions about the road ahead.
Let’s break down what this season meant for the Sixers and what fantasy players should be watching for next year.
Tyrese Maxey: The Undisputed Anchor
Tyrese Maxey has cemented himself as a first-round fantasy lock heading into next season. He is the engine of everything Philadelphia does offensively, and this season was no exception. Finishing sixth in High Score and fifth in 9-category leagues, Maxey far exceeded his 18th overall ADP. What makes him so valuable isn’t just his elite production—it’s his availability. He played 70 games, posting career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, while shooting 37% from three and an impressive 89% from the free-throw line on high volume. At just 25 years old, Maxey has established himself as an All-NBA talent and one of the premier guards in fantasy basketball.
VJ Edgecombe: Rookie Sensation on the Rise
VJ Edgecombe is on a star trajectory after a standout rookie campaign. Selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he ranked 74th in High Score and 57th in 9-category leagues—well above his 121st preseason ADP. Even more telling: he went undrafted in 57% of leagues, making him one of the top waiver-wire pickups of the season. Edgecombe has already pledged to improve his shooting this offseason, which bodes well for his fantasy ceiling. Expect him to come off draft boards by the sixth or seventh round next season.
Joel Embiid: A Familiar Frustration
Joel Embiid made it through the season—sort of. The former MVP played in just 38 games, continuing his reputation as a fantasy headache due to persistent availability issues. That will likely keep his ADP suppressed next year, but when he’s on the court, his production remains elite. For fantasy managers, the question is whether the risk is worth the reward.
As the Sixers regroup after a bitter playoff exit, the fantasy landscape is already shifting. Maxey is a cornerstone, Edgecombe is a rising star, and Embiid remains a high-risk, high-reward wildcard. The future in Philly may be uncertain, but for fantasy players, the opportunities are clear.