Denver’s preseason twist features Jokic at power forward paired with Jonas Valanciunas in a two‑big look. The early sample was rocky—five possessions, four points, 80 offensive rating—but Adelman stresses it’s a Band‑Aid moment to test spacing and timing. The experiment leans on high‑low action, with Watson, Braun and Strawther providing length and drive to mix with the bigs.

Defensively, Adelman explores a zone with both centers at the bottom, aiming to angle rotations and protect against interior mismatches. The plan mirrors Houston’s Sengun–Adams template but remains a work in progress as Denver dials in how to space and execute with this unconventional frontline.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is pegged as the MVP favorite amid a Bucks setup with less shield behind him, while Victor Wembanyama is the clear DPOY frontrunner thanks to his two-way impact. Denver’s David Adelman is favored for Coach of the Year after a roster overhaul, with Cooper Flagg poised to win ROY for a Dallas squad that should give him early meaningful minutes. Caris LeVert is the early pick for Sixth Man, as voters chase value and narrative in a crowded preseason landscape.

The NBA is in a depth-first era: teams must boast multiple top-100 players to contend, because playoff pressure and injuries erase lone superstars. The latest rankings show Oklahoma City with the most Top 100 picks, followed by the Knicks and Timberwolves, underscoring the shift from star-centric to roster-wide greatness. Fantasy managers should target balanced rosters with reliable contributors across categories, mindful of load management and injury risk as the season unfolds.

No. 620 simulates a dramatic NBA season, ending with the Orlando Magic capturing their first championship in a 4-3 thriller against the Golden State Warriors. Paolo Banchero seizes Finals MVP honors, while Franz Wagner and a deep roster backstop a strong East run. The season also features an early Celtics NBA Cup triumph, Christmas Day surprises, a chaotic Play-In, and a lottery reshaping night that tees up a memorable postseason.

The simulated arc blends veteran grit and young upside: Curry fights through a minor late-season injury, Thunder surge in the West, and Rockets pull off a shocking playoff upset. The playoffs crown Orlando as champ, with a compelling mix of star power and chess-match coaching that keeps fantasy players circling value plays at every turn.

The NBA is weighing a World vs. U.S. three‑team All‑Star format with eight‑man rosters per squad, two American teams and one international squad. Picture Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama on the floor together — a star‑dense, high‑impact showcase that could redefine All‑Star weekend and spike fantasy relevance.

Officials and players say the plan could boost competition and engagement, even as the league weighs player wellness. The move aligns with Olympic timing in 2026 and aims for a formal reveal soon, with veterans like Curry urging efficiency and others signaling they’ll go all‑out for a meaningful, entertaining event.