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.

Fallers dominate the Yahoo board: Isaiah Jackson drops 219 spots to 419, turning a late-round flyer into a scavenger hunt. Fred VanVleet falls 108 spots to 203 and is out for the year, a tough blow for Raptors backcourt plans. Al Horford dives to 211 after signing, making him a punt-points center option rather than a stable value. MPJ, Cam Johnson, Jaylen Green, and De’Aaron Fox slide as teams recalibrate roles and minutes. LeBron, Zion, and Lowry Markkanen drift into safer, lower-end spots while new team dynamics create fresh bargains. The board is volatile, but savvy managers can still mine value from these fallers with careful roster-building and targeted late-round bets.

Two themes emerge: role uncertainty and punt-leaning strategies. Players who can secure meaningful minutes or a clear path to increased usage, even in a crowded roster, can rebound into top-60 value. For nine-cat leagues, the emphasis shifts toward players with steady peripherals (rebounds, assists, defensive stats) and acceptable shooting. The shifts also increase the importance of late-round targets who fit specific roster builds—punt FG, punt FT, or punt turnovers—without chasing risk beyond reason.

Knicks pace up with Towns as a movable catalyst, unlocking Brunson for easier shots while keeping Cat in space. Two-big looks with Mitchell Robinson are a question, but Mike Brown’s creativity should keep Cat involved and feeding Clarkson, McBride, and Bridges. If Towns settles into a role series, the defense supports a versatile wings trio and steady rim protection.

The Celtics chase a faster, more pick-and-roll-oriented attack with Tilman’s screen ability; Raptors search for identity amid length and movement; Brooklyn leans into defense, depth, and a youth movement; Philadelphia bets on Embiid’s health, Maxi’s growth, Edgecomb’s upside, and a versatile forward corps to balance a thinner front line. The East’s color palette shifts daily as health and role clarity drive fantasy upside.