NBA Player News

Williams scored nine points (3-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt) and compiled eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 18 minutes during Tuesday's preseason loss to the Pelicans.

The veteran forward got the start with the Thunder resting many of their key rotation players, and Williams took advantage with a well-rounded stat line. He's been a reliable member of the OKC bench brigade over the last six seasons, and in 2025-26, Williams averaged 15.3 minutes, 6.5 points, 3.3 boards, 1.4 assists and 0.9 threes during 56 regular-season contests.

Stirtz played a team-high 31 minutes in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Pelicans, scoring a game-high 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt) and adding six assists and five rebounds.

The Thunder rested many of their key rotation players Tuesday, allowing Stritz to handle a big workload as part of the starting backcourt. The 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft won't be seeing that sort of role once the games begin to count, but he's getting a chance to show OKC that he can contribute if given a chance.

Mathurin scored a team-high 13 points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT) while chipping in five assists and two rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's preseason win over the Thunder.

The 24-year-old wing signed a two-year deal with New Orleans in August, and he demonstrated his ability to provide offense from the second unit in Tuesday's win. Mathurin is coming off a 2025026 campaign that saw him average a career-high 17.6 points, 5.4 boards, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals while also adding 1.4 threes in 30.0 minutes a game between the Pacers and Clippers, but he's unlikely to see that large a workload with the Pelicans.

Queen scored 10 points (3-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-7 FT) while adding nine rebounds, three steals and an assist in 17 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's preseason win over the Thunder.

The 21-year-old center showed flashes of his upside as a rookie in 2025-26 after being the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Queen remains stuck on the second unit as long as Zion Williamson and Yves Missi remain healthy. More consistent minutes could still allow Queen to improve on the 11.7 points, 7.1 boards, 3.7 assists and 1.9 combined steals and blocks he averaged last season.

Murray played 19 minutes in Tuesday's preseason win over the Thunder, scoring six points (2-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT) while adding six assists and four rebounds.

The 30-year-old point guard appears healthy heading into 2026-27 after injuries limited him to just 45 regular-season games over his first two seasons with the Pelicans. Murray will likely have his workload monitored in the preseason, but New Orleans is hoping he can regain the form that saw him average 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 boards, 2.6 threes and 1.4 steals over 35.7 minutes in 2023-24, his final season with Atlanta.

Porter finished with 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-6 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 17 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over Charlotte.

Porter started at small forward and led Brooklyn in scoring despite playing fewer than 17 minutes. His four three-pointers also led the Nets, and the veteran forward should remain one of Brooklyn's primary perimeter scoring threats this season.

Traore finished with 10 points (3-4 FG, 4-4 FT), two assists, one rebound and one steal in 10 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over Charlotte.

Traore was productive during his brief stint and did all of his damage without attempting a three-pointer. The young guard faces considerable competition for backcourt minutes but made a strong first impression in limited preseason action.

Powell finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 13 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over the Hornets.

Powell didn't commit a turnover and made the most of his limited opportunities, connecting on four of his six attempts from the field. The young wing will look to use the preseason to strengthen his case for a spot in Brooklyn's rotation after a tough 2025-26 campaign.

Mann finished with six points (2-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), two rebounds, two steals and one assist in 20 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over Charlotte.

Mann received the most playing time of any Brooklyn reserve and provided some two-way production despite a quiet scoring night. The veteran wing should remain in the mix for a reserve role as the Nets sort through a deep group of perimeter options.

Saraf finished with eight points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over Charlotte.

Saraf knocked down a pair of three-pointers and committed only one turnover during his limited run. The second-year guard is competing for minutes in a crowded Brooklyn backcourt and will look to build on an efficient preseason opener.