Knicks and 76ers arrive in Abu Dhabi for a preseason doubleheader, greeted by a festive, desert backdrop that underlines the NBA’s growing international footprint. The trip blends culture with competition, featuring camel rides, falcon imagery, and a mosque setting that framed team photos and social moments.

Off the court, veterans and coaches—Patrick Ewing, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart with the Knicks; Kyle Lowry and Nick Nurse with the 76ers—stayed in game-ready mode, even toying with golf as a conditioning and rhythm-building tool. The scenes hint at early-season rotation signals and leadership dynamics that fantasy managers will want to watch as rosters cohere abroad and back home.

Philadelphia nabbed V.J. Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick, betting on a 6-5 two-way wing who can contribute early as McCain heals. Edgecombe enters a veteran-heavy mix led by Embiid, George, Lowry, Gordon and Oubre, with Drummond praising his confidence.

His NBA learning curve will hinge on consistent defense, pace, and finishing in transition. If he earns minutes and can space the floor, Edgecombe could become a flexible plug-and-play piece in a playoff-caliber core.

League-wide notes touch on Randle’s Timberwolves trade talk, Lillard’s return timeline, Irving and Thompson’s tribute, and Durant’s Rockets moment, framing a season where edge-of-rotation bets carry real upside for fantasy managers.

Jared McCain’s right thumb UCL tear casts doubt on the rookie’s season debut, forcing Philadelphia to lean on Quentin Grimes, VJ Edgecombe and Kyle Lowry as backcourt depth. With Tyrese Maxey handling the starting duties and Embiid and George dealing with injuries, the Sixers enter camp with a fragile guard rotation and a broader question of how much edge Edgecombe can immediately provide.

Grimes’s contract stalemate adds another layer of uncertainty, while Edgecombe’s prowess from draft night offers a potential early breakout if McCain’s timeline extends. The team’s Abu Dhabi preseason against the Knicks and Embiid’s media day appearance set the tone for a cautious but potentially dynamic start to a season that could hinge on health and depth.