Preseason in Abu Dhabi kicks off a season shaped by 10 names set to define it: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, De'Aaron Fox, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Amen Thompson, Desmond Bane, A.J. Dybantsa, Mike Brown, Adam Silver.

Milwaukee upgrades keep Giannis in play; Orlando pivots to a win-now arc; Memphis adds Bane's shooting; San Antonio pairs Fox with Wembanyama and Harper; LeBron, Kawhi and Silver frame the league's balance and expansion intel. Injuries to Haliburton and Tatum widen the East's path as Wembanyama's era opens in San Antonio with Castle and Harper looming—the fantasy season will hinge on fit, health and late moves.

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.

Magic rookie Jase Richardson arrives in Orlando with a clear mandate: learn fast, earn a rotation spot, and impact the team in any role coach Jamahl Mosley asks. He’ll lean on Tyus Jones for veteran guidance as he acclimates to pro ball, with a crowded guard group behind Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Early minutes may be scarce, but Richardson’s high basketball IQ and speed give him a path to a late-season breakout if the opportunity arises.

Jones promises to be a vocal mentor, sharing the tricks that helped him run the show for 11 seasons. Richardson’s ability to push the pace, protect the ball, and learn from a master of decision-making could translate into meaningful fantasy upside down the stretch, especially if injuries create playable minutes in Orlando’s ambitious playoff push.