Orlando Magic showcase a flood of young depth as Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. anchor the frontcourt, while Jalen Suggs’s injury opens minutes for Anthony Black and the rest of the guard corps. Goga Bitadze and Tristan da Silva mix scoring with rim protection, and Jase Richardson chips in timely putbacks as Orlando builds rotation clarity. Miami Heat lean on Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Ethan Thompson and Precious Achiuwa to spark offense, testing their bench options early in the preseason.

Fantasy angles center on Wagner’s usage ramp, Black’s early integration, and Carter’s continued production in the post. For Miami, Larsson’s shooting spark and Jaquez Jr.’s rising role deserve watchful optimism, while the Heat assess wing depth with Myron Gardner, Keshad Johnson and Jahmir Young.

The game hints at early-season narratives: Suggs’ injury could accelerate Magic guard rotations; Orlando’s interior chemistry remains key; Miami’s secondary scoring options will shape daily lineups as rosters settle in.

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.