Philadelphia

76ers

The 7-foot-5 Fall, who was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract in early September, did not play in any of the 76ers’ preseason games due to a hip injury. He’ll remain with the franchise on a two-way deal, potentially adding frontcourt depth once he’s cleared to return. Adem Bona is still recovering from a foot injury, while Ariel Hukporti went down for the season with a ruptured Achilles in Philadelphia’s preseason opener

Jabari Walker has proven that he can play in an NBA rotation and he should have a role on this Philadelphia team. While Dean Wade will likely start when there’s injuries, Walker will still be important in deeper leagues as a consistent producer that will likely get a bump when there are injuries.

The 76ers made a concerted effort to get Embiid going after a poor outing against the Nets last Thursday. The question is more about how he will fit in the offense during the regular season given his health issues, and we’ll find out more next Tuesday against the Knicks. This team’s future is heavily dependent on the health of Joel Embiid.

Caleb Love hit his head on the ground and went to the locker room. He likely isn’t going to be a factor for fantasy managers in most formats.

The full participation in practice is encouraging, but neither player will take the court for Friday’s preseason finale against the Celtics, likely for precautionary reasons. The Sixers play the Knicks on Tuesday for opening night, so fantasy managers rostering Bona and/or Simons should keep an eye on their respective statuses ahead of Tuesday’s tip-off.

Without LeBron James, Jaylen Brown or Joel Embiid in the lineup, it was Edgecombe that led the 76ers with 14 first-half points. The 21-year-old phenom flashed his speed and athleticism on an early baseline drive to the basket that resulted in a three-point play before knocking down a three-pointer shortly afterwards. His most impressive moment came with 7:48 left in the opening half when he took on a pair of Celtics defenders to finish strong at the rim for a three-point play. He’s the single-biggest unknown variable for Philadelphia as his play style and pace seems to be dramatically different from everyone besides Tyrese Maxey. He’ll come off the board as a top-60 range pick in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Maxey has tormented the Celtics in recent years, but he had an off-night from a shooting standpoint, going just 1-of-6 from three-point range as the 76ers were run off the floor by Boston’s relentless bench. The 25-year-old is the force multiplier that will make Philadelphia’s star-studded mix functional this season. It might take some time for all of the piece to settle into the correct slots, but Maxey is going to be the biggest constant from the get-go as the straw that stirs the metaphorical drink.

Back on the floor after sitting out Monday’s preseason opener against the Knicks, Maxey logged 19 minutes on Thursday. With LeBron James on the court as well, the third-team All-NBA point guard spent more time off the ball. Maxey’s assist production could take a hit this season, but he may make up for it with more scoring. Either way, anyone who drafts him shouldn’t regret it.

While he was far from sharp on Thursday, Embiid played 24 minutes without incident against the Nets. More concerning than the 1-of-5 night from the field was his eight turnovers, but it’s just the preseason. Embiid won’t make a habit of that, especially with Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James on the floor. Most importantly, the former MVP needs to stay healthy, as the 76ers are without Adem Bona (foot) and lost Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) for the season on Monday. If Embiid can avoid the extended absences that have recurred throughout his career, he should exceed his ADP (50) by a safe margin.

After sitting out the 76ers’ preseason opener on Monday, James made his unofficial debut for the team on Thursday. Though he had only one official field-goal attempt, the 41-year-old forward made 8-of-8 from the foul line. LeBron took on primary playmaking duties against the Nets, and the team will ask him to do the same during the regular season. He may also serve as a small-ball center at times because Philadelphia lacks depth behind Joel Embiid.