DMAC NBA Fantasy Bible and Old Man Squad drop a value-forward look at early-season targets. Murray carries enormous upside when healthy, Garland offers solid per-game counting stats even with a brief start, and Murphy looks like a safe late-round breakout as Zion returns. Poeltl anchors the middle rounds, Clingan adds rookie upside, Turner provides steady boards and blocks, and Zion’s health underscores the Pelicans’ ceiling. Injury timing, leadership roles, and ADP shifts drive the draft-day decisions.

Zion Williamson looked noticeably lighter and more fluid in his preseason traces, posting 15 points in 16 minutes on 5-for-8 shooting with 5 assists and 2 steals, a +10 in the Pelicans’ win. Murphy the Third contributed 18 in 19 minutes, underscoring a dynamic rookie-season pairing with Zion and a growing young core around New Orleans. The episode also highlights Suns-Lakers in a high-minute preseason clash and the Rockets’ search for a reliable fifth starter after Fred VanVleet’s injury, painting a portrait of a league-wide pivot toward youth, health, and depth that fantasy managers will want to monitor all preseason and into the regular season.

Pelicans fans have reason for cautious optimism: Zion’s weight loss could translate to fewer health hiccups and more sustained production, while Murphy’s scoring spark signals a versatile wing duo that could elevate the offense when Zion sits. The Suns are balancing star power with new pieces after Durant, probing guard depth and bench roles, while the Lakers test lineup balance with Bronny James and a mix of veterans. Across Houston, Sengun and a cadre of young talents are being asked to grow quickly as the Rockets chase late-season clarity on their rotation.

Fantasy readers should flag: Zion’s health trajectory, Murphy’s burst, Booker’s usage with new teammates, and Sengun’s evolving role in Houston. Preseason hints point to potential top-tier upside if health cooperates and rotations settle into solid, scalable roles. The league’s early signal is a season where youth and health could unlock value in multiple lineups.

The New Orleans Pelicans are facing critical questions heading into the upcoming NBA season, particularly surrounding the future of key players like Zion Williamson and DeJounte Murray. As the franchise aims to navigate a challenging Western Conference, there’s a mix of optimism and skepticism among insiders regarding their potential playoff aspirations. The team's decision to bring in Joe Dumars is seen as a strategic move; they believe his experience could help maximize Zion's talents, especially if he can keep him in optimal shape and minimize injuries. The podcast emphasizes that while Zion has shown flashes of brilliance when on the court, his ability to stay healthy remains a significant concern.

Fans are also closely monitoring the implications of DeJounte Murray's Achilles injury and whether he can return to form after a tumultuous season. The podcast notes that Murray's past personal challenges may have affected his performance, creating uncertainty about his role. The Pelicans' roster construction raises questions about how they’ll manage minutes effectively, balancing young talent like Jeremiah Fears with established players like Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy. With conflicting timelines and expectations, the Pelicans' journey this year could be pivotal in determining the franchise's future direction.