Nick Nurse looks on during an NBA game.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse indicated he’s opening the regular season with rookie wingVJ Edgecombe in the starting lineup,Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse said he’s planning on starting VJ Edgecombe at the start of the season.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 17, 2025
It’s a notable vote of confidence for the No. 3 pick after a lively camp and preseason. FantasyAlarm and other outlets characterized Nurse’s latest comments as “on track to be a starter,” while earlier reports framed the stance as Nurse “all but” confirming Edgecombe’s first-unit role.
Edgecombe’s health appears to be cooperating. After sitting with left hip soreness earlier this preseason, he was cleared to play in October 17’s preseason finale vs.Minnesota; multiplereports add that the issue was minor and precautionary. That aligns with a string of local updates stating the rookie has impressed throughout camp.
The context around Philadelphia’s rotation makes the Nurse hint even more meaningful. The Sixers are navigating early-season timelines forPaul George (knee), who is not expected to play on opening night in Boston, andJared McCain (thumb), who remains out following UCL surgery. Meanwhile,Joel Embiid was cleared for his first preseason action on Friday as the team calibrates its core minutes before the regular season. All of that points to a clean path for Edgecombe to seize a significant role immediately.
ESPN’s live depth chart already reflects Edgecombe trending with the first unit on the wing, and national/fantasy outlets echoed that he is expected to start on opening night if his health holds. Again: treat it as projected until starters are announced.
What It Means for Philly
If Nurse rolls out Edgecombe with the starters, the rookie’s assignment should be straightforward: defend on the perimeter, cut, run, and finish and serve as the connective tissue that lets Tyrese Maxey and Embiid drive usage while maintaining pace and pressure. Nurse has emphasized playing faster with interchangeable athletes; Edgecombe’s burst and on-ball disruption fit the job description.
The starting nod (or even heavy early minutes) also gives Philly the option to keep veterans in role-appropriate usage while George ramps. It could stabilize lineup balance: Edgecombe as a low-usage wing next to Maxey’s creation, with spacing from shooters likeQuentin Grimes,Eric Gordon andKelly Oubre Jr. and size behind him when Embiid sits. In short: a rookie who does the little things could unlock cleaner combinations around the stars. Depth charts and preseason comments point in that direction.
What’s Next
Opening night is Wednesday, October 22 inBoston. Expect Nurse to keep lineups fluid in the first two weeks, particularly if George’s return lands soon after the opener. Edgecombe’s minutes could fluctuate based on opponent size/spacing and how quickly he processes NBA physicality, but Nurse putting this expectation out publicly signals real trust. Watch for the official starting five on game day and for any last-minute health updates from team channels and the beat