Richardson posted 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, including 3-for-3 from deep, in 24 minutes off the bench, with all 13 coming in the third to spark Orlando's rally.

His speed, reads and high basketball IQ drew praise from Jamahl Mosley and hint at an early-season role if Jalen Suggs is limited; in a depth-driven preseason, Richardson's growth could yield practical fantasy upside.

Injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton reshuffle the East’s top tier, but Orlando’s front office believes the conference remains deep and ready to pop. Weltman argues the East’s strength will keep evolving, and the Magic could ride the wave if health and timing align.

Cleveland and New York are favorites to crawl out of the East, with Atlanta, Detroit and Milwaukee on the next tier. Orlando’s own Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, plus Desmond Bane, could spark a late-season push that reshapes fantasy value across the conference.

Expect rotation shifts, rising bench contributions, and new breakout candidates as teams navigate a season where injuries don’t decide, only influence outcomes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo anchors fantasy forward rankings for 2025-26, with Milwaukee’s post-overhaul outlook shaping his ceiling and free-throw risk intact. Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant headline the next tier, but durability and new-team contexts temper their floors. A rising wave—led by Jalen Williams, Jalen Johnson and Cooper Flagg—adds high-end upside, while Zion Williamson’s health and Franz Wagner’s shooting loom large for category formats. The top-50 blends proven stars with a robust rookie-class, emphasizing workload, efficiency and health in a crowded landscape.