Embiid commits to mentoring Philadelphia’s young bigs—Adem Bona, Johni Broome, Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow—while the Sixers pursue a healthy, high-impact 2025-26 run. He stresses pro habits, learning from past mistakes, and inviting questions from the next generation as they push for meaningful minutes. The plan hinges on Embiid's durability and leadership, opening with a preseason tilt against the Knicks.

Health, mentorship, and development shape the Sixers’ ceiling as Embiid balances star duties with a fatherly role, aiming to mold a versatile, future-ready frontcourt that can grow with him through the Eastern grind.

Nick Nurse opened Sixers camp with a defense-first focus, singling out two newcomers—Dominick Barlow and VJ Edgecombe—for early praise as Philly reshapes its depth. Barlow brings versatility on the front line and relentless glass work, while Edgecombe offers scoring bite and hustle in a space where guard-rotation depth matters. Tyrese Maxey and Adem Bona flashed, and the coaching staff drilled multiple coverages as Philly readies for two preseason tests with the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi.

The emphasis on defense runs through every drill, with Nurse asking players to guard the ball, sprint to spots, and translate drills into live contexts. Barlow’s ability to guard multiple positions and Edgecombe’s shot-making give Philly viable ceiling pieces; how quickly they translate that into meaningful court time will shape the early-season rotations and fantasy value.

Philly’s training camp centers on health assignments and three core stars, with three early roster battles shaping opening night lineups. The Sixers must navigate starting guard duties between McCain, Edgecombe and Grimes, decide on George’s mix at the 3/4 alongside Oubre or Grimes, and confirm a dependable backup center behind Drummond as Bona, Walker and Barlow push for minutes. Embiid, Maxey and George health will largely determine the ceiling this season.

The Atlanta Hawks secured a crucial victory against the Miami Heat, but the win was overshadowed by a concerning injury to center Larry Nance Jr. During the game at State Farm Arena, Nance sustained a right hand injury. The Hawks have announced that further details regarding his condition, treatment plan, and recovery timeline will be provided as they become available. This injury could have significant implications for the team's upcoming schedule, particularly their back-to-back games, including a matchup against the Toronto Raptors tomorrow.

With Nance potentially sidelined, the Hawks are already facing challenges due to the absence of Onyeka Okongwu, who has missed the last five games and has no set return date. If Nance is unable to play, the Hawks may need to rely on Dominick Barlow, who, while promising offensively, still has room for improvement defensively. Cody Zeller is also on the roster but has not participated with the team since his acquisition in the trade involving Dejounte Murray. The depth of the Hawks will be severely tested if both Nance and Okongwu are unavailable.

Nance has been a valuable contributor when healthy, averaging 9.5 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 58% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc. As the Hawks prepare for a challenging road trip that begins against Toronto, fans and analysts alike will be watching for updates on Nance's health and the team's ability to adapt in his absence.