
PHI • Forward • #26
2 months ago
Barlow is on a two-way contract, but the 76ers’ many absences have allowed him to start three preseason games. He’s taken advantage of the opportunities, stepping up as an active rebounder and defender. Two-way contract recipients can be active for up to 50 games, so the 76ers will have some time to evaluate Barlow. But with his play during the preseason, it’s fair to wonder if there’s a path to legitimate rotation minutes.

PHI • Guard • #0
2 months ago
Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12/5/2/2/1 with one three-pointer) were the only projected starters available for Friday’s game, and the latter only played the first quarter. That’s all the time Maxey needed to show he’s ready for the regular season, and he may have to do more heavy lifting than usual if Joel Embiid and Paul George aren’t available. As for Oubre, he was solid in his 18 minutes and should provide late-round value in standard leagues, especially with Jared McCain likely to miss the start of the season.

PHI • Forward • #19
2 months ago
There’s just one change to Philadelphia’s starting lineup, as Edwards slides in for the unavailable VJ Edgecombe, who has a sore hip. The move into the starting lineup allows Edwards to show he deserves rotation minutes during the regular season, and the same can be said for Barlow and Bona.
Source: Philadelphia 76ers

NYK • Guard • #2
2 months ago
McBride’s role is unlikely to change much, even with the new head coach, as he’s being asked to provide energy and offense off the bench. However, during his first rotation on Thursday, McBride spent some time at point guard, sharing the backcourt with Jordan Clarkson (10/3/3). Malcolm Brogdon did not play until the second half; the same could be said for Tyler Kolek. To say McBride has been a combo guard during his first four seasons would be a stretch; he was asked to do minimal playmaking for others. If that changes under Mike Brown and Deuce shows himself capable of handling those responsibilities, his numbers may benefit.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
2 months ago
Neither Bridges nor Jalen Brunson (11/4/3 with one three-pointer) shot the ball well on Thursday, with the Knicks’ top two scoring options shooting a combined 6-of-25 from the field. However, given their track records, there should not be too much concern ahead of the regular season. This has been an interesting preseason for Towns, as he’s being asked to essentially learn two positions, power forward and center, within Mike Brown’s offensive system. “Not only is he trying to get a rhythm,” Brown said of Towns following Tuesday’s practice, “but he’s trying to figure out what the hell he’s supposed to do when he’s at the five as opposed to when he’s at the four.” Fantasy managers should not be too concerned, but it may take KAT a few games during the regular season to get completely comfortable with the new system.
Source: New York Post

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
2 months ago
The Knicks’ preseason home opener required overtime to determine the outcome, but Bridges and the other starters finished their work during the third quarter. Head coach Mike Brown’s desire for the team to play at a faster tempo will take some getting used to, but Bridges has looked relatively comfortable during New York’s three exhibition games. He shot 50 percent from the field against the Timberwolves and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Based on his current Yahoo! ADP of 80.7, managers may be undervaluing Bridges in early drafts.

NYK • Guard • #3
2 months ago
Hart, who has been dealing with finger and back issues during the preseason, will miss Thursday’s game due to an illness. His absence frees up additional minutes for younger players looking to make a positive impression before the Knicks begin to make roster cuts.
Source: Ian Begley

PHI • Guard-Forward • #9
2 months ago
Watford, who agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers this summer, has yet to practice due to a left hamstring injury. According to PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck, imaging of the hamstring revealed no structural damage and the forward is working toward a return to the court within the next week. While Watford does not project to be an impactful fantasy option, his ability to serve as a secondary playmaker at the four could benefit the 76ers’ bench unit once he’s cleared to play.
Source: Kyle Neubeck

PHI • Center-Forward • #21
2 months ago
Embiid appears to be on track to play in the regular season opener, even if he hasn’t participated in the preseason yet. Paul George was able to do some individual work, and the plan is to integrate him into team work in the coming days, per Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer. There’s still not much clarity on either’s status, but things appear to be on track.
Source: Keith Pompey

NYK • Guard • #3
2 months ago
Hart injured his back in Thursday’s exhibition in Abu Dhabi before sitting out on Saturday against the 76ers. His absence on Tuesday shouldn’t concern fantasy managers, as Hart still has ample time to recover ahead of the regular season opener on October 22.
Source: Ian Begley

PHI • Center • #1
2 months ago
Ineffective in the eight minutes he played on Thursday, Drummond was far more active two days later. While he did not do much scoring, the 10 rebounds and one steal were indicators of a better performance. Adem Bona (2/1/0/1/1) played 20 minutes as Joel Embiid’s replacement in the starting lineup and appears ticketed for the backup center role. However, he did not perform well enough in Abu Dhabi to clearly separate himself from Drummond. While this isn’t a huge position battle for fantasy purposes, the winner will likely have streaming opportunities due to Embiid’s injury history.

PHI • Forward-Guard • #9
2 months ago
While Oubre only shot 2-of-8 from the field in Thursday’s preseason opener, he recorded a complete stat line. The Tsunami Papi’s versatility was again on display Saturday, and he shot the ball better from the field. Oubre was an uncharacteristically poor 1-of-4 from the foul line, but that should not generate too much concern. Even with a healthy Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid in the fold, fantasy managers should avoid undervaluing Oubre. He’s worth the risk as a late-round pick, even in standard league drafts.

PHI • Guard • #0
2 months ago
After playing 23 minutes in Thursday’s preseason opener, Maxey logged 18 on Saturday. There isn’t much mystery to what the 76ers point guard can do, but adding VJ Edgecombe (14/6/3 with one three-pointer) could change things for Maxey if they start alongside each other. Edgecombe has the athleticism and handle needed to make things happen within the halfcourt, giving Maxey more opportunities to play off the ball. That’s one way to alleviate any wear and tear concerns as Philadelphia looks to keep its stars as healthy as possible.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
2 months ago
As was the case in Thursday’s preseason opener, Bridges scored 10 points in Saturday’s victory. However, he did not miss a shot in the rematch after going 4-of-10 from the field against Philadelphia two days prior. If the first two games indicate how Bridges will be used during the regular season, he may have the ball in his hands more in the halfcourt. Doing this can help take some of the pressure off of Jalen Brunson (14/1/2/2 with two three-pointers), who has to run the offense and serve as New York’s first scoring option. This approach may raise Bridges’ fantasy ceiling, but he totaled one assist in two games against the 76ers.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
2 months ago
Anunoby is a right-handed shooter, so the sprained left hand was not a significant issue in his first action of this preseason. Like fellow starters Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, he logged 17 minutes on Saturday, and the versatile wing was efficient offensively. Anunoby is one of the players who may benefit from new head coach Mike Brown’s desire to ramp up the pace and ball-movement, whether in transition or the half-court. He finished last season as a top-40 fantasy player, and managers should expect similar production from Anunoby.

NYK • Guard • #3
2 months ago
Hart, who injured his back during the first quarter of Thursday’s exhibition opener in Abu Dhabi, sat out Saturday’s game with back spasms. While the issue is not considered serious, Hart must navigate a 7,000-mile flight from Abu Dhabi back to New York. The Knicks don’t open their regular season until October 22, so fantasy managers should not be too concerned about Hart’s availability. Mitchell Robinson (six points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes on Saturday) started both games in Abu Dhabi, and while head coach Mike Brown has not made a final decision on the starting lineup, Hart may be asked to contribute off the bench this season.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
2 months ago
Knicks head coach Mike Brown has made one change to the lineup that started Thursday’s win over Philadelphia. Anunoby is available after sitting out the preseason opener with a hand injury, so he assumes his usual starting role, with Pacôme Dadiet returning to the bench. This may be the five that opens the regular season, with Josh Hart assuming the sixth-man role.
Source: New York Knicks

PHI • Forward • #30
2 months ago
With Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined, Thursday’s exhibition was Bona’s most recent audition for the right to serve as the 2023 MVP’s backup once the regular season begins. Early foul trouble was an issue for the 6-foot-10 Bona, who may have played a bit more had he not picked up two fouls in the first quarter. Andre Drummond (two points and three rebounds) only played eight minutes, but he’s a far more proven option than the second-year post out of UCLA. Bona’s energy and athleticism may give him the upper hand in the competition for the backup center role, which has some streaming value due to Embiid’s injury history. But he must avoid the silly fouls to make good on that upside.

PHI • Guard • #0
2 months ago
Maxey played into the second half of Thursday’s preseason opener, logging just under six minutes in the third quarter. While he was cold from the perimeter, missing all four of his three-point attempts, there’s little to worry about a guard who’s a career 38.1 percent shooter from beyond the arc. Given the injury histories of Joel Embiid and Paul George, with both working their way back from knee injuries, Maxey is the first 76er who should be selected in fantasy drafts, regardless of league type. Injuries limited him to 52 games last season, but he’s played at least 60 in the other four.

NYK • Guard • #2
2 months ago
Having posted career-best averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers last season, McBride is a player who may be worth taking a late-round flier on in drafts. He was efficient offensively in his bench role on Thursday while adding a nice bonus of three steals. While capable of facilitating for others, McBride may be best equipped to offer late-round value in steals and three-pointers, especially if the Knicks keep Malcolm Brogdon to provide a steady hand off the bench as Jalen Brunson’s backup. Brogdon, one of the veterans competing for a roster spot in training camp, contributed three points, one rebound, two assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 12 minutes.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
2 months ago
Robinson, who did not play after halftime on Thursday, made good use of his 18 minutes. Only committing one personal foul, the 7-footer was dominant on the glass, with five of his 16 rebounds coming on the offensive end of the floor. During the most recent season in which Robinson played at least 55 games, 2022-23, the Knicks were second in the league in offensive rebound rate and third in offensive rating. Obviously, the current roster is far different than the one that finished fifth in the East in 2022-23, but having a reasonably healthy Robinson on the floor would pay dividends for the Knicks offensively and defensively.

NYK • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Brunson did not play at all after halftime, which was also the case for Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson. The point guard was not as ball-dominant as he was last season, with Bridges spending more time on the ball in the two-man game. That dynamic will be worth tracking throughout the preseason as the Knicks get acclimated to new head coach Mike Brown’s preferred offense, which allows for multiple playmakers and prioritizes pace. Brunson’s fantasy value will be fine, and taking the ball out of his hands a bit more could result in a few more cleaner looks if the other potential playmakers are up to the task.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
2 months ago
There wasn’t much to take away from the stat lines of the Knicks’ established core in Thursday’s preseason opener, as Towns, Mikal Bridges (10 points, one rebound, two steals and two three-pointers) and Jalen Brunson all played 17 minutes and did not play at all in the second half. What was evident was Mike Brown’s desire to have his team play at a higher tempo, especially within the halfcourt. Towns was involved in some dribble handoffs, and there were times when he and Brunson were on the same side of the floor as Bridges operated as the ballhandler in the pick-and-roll. Something for fantasy managers to ponder is how Towns’ rebounding numbers will be impacted if Mitchell Robinson remains a starter. Robinson grabbed 16 rebounds on Thursday, with KAT only managing five. That isn’t enough to send Towns tumbling down draft boards, but this lineup would likely impact his fantasy ceiling.

NYK • Guard • #3
2 months ago
Hart, who underwent surgery on his right ring finger in July, tweaked that injury during a workout just before the start of training camp. However, that wasn’t his issue during Thursday’s exhibition game, with Hart instead injuring his back while reeling in a loose ball. After a jump ball was called, Hart would throw the ball, seemingly in frustration. Unfortunately, the action prompted an automatic ejection from the game, so the trip back to the locker room to get his back attended to marked the end of Hart’s first night in Abu Dhabi. Whether he’s available for Saturday’s rematch depends on the state of Hart’s back.

NYK • Guard • #3
2 months ago
Hart, who underwent surgery on his right ring finger in July, tweaked that injury during a workout just before the start of training camp. Unfortunately, he appeared to aggravate that injury when a 76ers player attempted to grab the ball as the Knicks forward possessed it while lying on the court. After a jump ball was called, Hart would throw the ball, seemingly in frustration. Unfortunately, the ball landed in the stands, prompting an immediate ejection from the game, so the trip back to the locker room to get his finger attended to marked the end of Hart’s first night in Abu Dhabi. Whether he’s available for Saturday’s rematch depends on the state of Hart’s finger.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
2 months ago
The first unofficial game of the Mike Brown era features a starting lineup that lacks two figures who were fixtures in last season’s first five. OG Anunoby is nursing a sprained left hand, hence Dadiet is receiving an opportunity to start. However, while that change won’t stick once Anunoby is available, that may not be true for Robinson replacing Josh Hart. Hart was a starter last season until Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, when then-head coach Tom Thibodeau took the wing up on his suggestion that Robinson start instead. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Hart will still play plenty and remain valuable to category-league managers. Robinson’s value will be slightly boosted, but managers must consider his injury history.
Source: Stefan Bondy

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
2 months ago
Anunoby is dealing with a sprained left hand and will not play in Thursday’s preseason opener. As a result, 2024 first-round pick Pacôme Dadiet will receive the starting nod against the 76ers. Dadiet’s name has come up in trade rumors recently, due to the Knicks’ second apron-induced roster crunch. If the team were to want to keep two of the veterans it signed to camp deals, most notably Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, they would likely have to trade someone to avoid the second apron. Dadiet has been mentioned due to his likely bringing back the best return in a trade, but he has fans within the organization.
Source: Steve Popper

PHI • Guard • #5
3 months ago
One day after fellow restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga agreed to a two-year deal, Grimes’ status for the upcoming season was resolved. He’s reportedly signed his one-year offer sheet on the final day to do so, which ensures he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Grimes enjoyed the best stretch of his NBA career after the February trade deadline, but that was at a time when the 76ers were without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Jared McCain, among others. With McCain recovering from thumb surgery, Grimes’ role will have added importance, even with the 76ers selecting VJ Edgecombe in June’s draft.
Source: Shams Charania

NYK • Forward • #0
3 months ago
Beauchamp played limited minutes for the Bucks over the first two years of his career before getting traded to the Clippers last season. He was waived shortly thereafter and finished the 2024-25 campaign on a two-way deal with New York. Beauchamp will compete for a roster spot with Portland, but even if he makes the final roster, he’s unlikely to make enough of an impact to be worth rostering in fantasy basketball leagues.
Source: Sean Highkin

PHI • Guard • #5
3 months ago
While Philadelphia certainly wants Grimes suiting up for them next season, especially in the wake of Jared McCain’s thumb injury, they aren’t going to budge on their offer. Grimes either has to take what they’ve offered or take the qualifying offer and explore free agency next summer. Regardless, there should be some clarity on his contract situation in the coming days.
Source: Jake Fischer

PHI • Center-Forward • #21
3 months ago
Embiid has no concrete timeline for returning to game action from offseason left knee surgery, but Saturday’s development qualifies as a step in the right direction. According to 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, the 7-footer did “quite a bit,” including participating in some live action. While Embiid’s injury history makes him challenging to trust with a first-round pick in fantasy drafts, he can be a game-changer for managers if he can play 60 games or more. His health will be one of the crucial subplots during the preseason, as Embiid’s ADP is around 50 in Yahoo!, ESPN and Fantrax leagues.
Source: Adam Aaronson

PHI • Guard • #20
3 months ago
McCain suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb during a recent workout, sidelining the second-year guard just before Philadelphia opened training camp. Charania reported Friday that McCain will undergo surgery to address the injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Philadelphia will have to rely even more on rookie VJ Edgecombe off the bench, and McCain’s absence could impact how the 76ers deal with unsigned restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. He has until October 1 to sign the qualifying offer to play, and the two sides are reportedly far apart on a potential multi-year extension. Grimes is not traveling with the team to Abu Dhabi for its two preseason games against the Knicks.
Source: ESPN