NBA Player News

Stirtz posted 20 points (6-11 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-6 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal across 22 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason loss to the Bucks.

Stirtz capitalized on extended second-half opportunities and delivered another impressive showing, posting 15 points in 31 minutes in the preseason opener against the Pelicans on Tuesday. His shooting was particularly encouraging, although his minus-20 rating reflected the struggles of Oklahoma City's reserve-heavy lineup. Stirtz will need to build on these performances to earn consistent regular-season minutes in a competitive backcourt, but his first two preseason outings are certainly encouraging.

Williams tallied 16 points (8-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt), three rebounds, six assists and two steals across 19 minutes in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason loss to the Bucks.

Williams was highly effective inside the arc, making eight of his 11 field-goal attempts while contributing six assists and two steals, but he missed all three of his three-point attempts. Long-range shooting woes aside, the star forward helped Oklahoma City build an 82-64 halftime lead before sitting out the second half alongside most of the Thunder's starters. Williams was limited to just 33 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, but if he stays healthy in 2026-27, he should operate as the team's No. 2 option on offense behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander produced 17 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, five assists and a block across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason loss to the Bucks.

Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a flawless offensive performance in limited action, converting every field-goal and free-throw attempt while helping Oklahoma City establish a commanding first-half advantage. The Thunder rested their starters after halftime, and Milwaukee capitalized against Oklahoma City's reserves. His efficiency and playmaking were encouraging signs, although preseason shooting percentages carry limited predictive value given the restricted minutes and experimental rotations. If this game offered any sign ahead of the regular season, it's that Gilgeous-Alexander should be ready to roll after winning the MVP award in each of the last two seasons.

Burries registered 16 points (5-13 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), five rebounds, an assist and two steals across 21 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason win over the Thunder.

Burries played a pivotal role in Milwaukee's fourth-quarter comeback with several clutch plays in the second half. As good as he looked in this preseason win, however, the rookie guard looks set to open the 2026-27 regular season in a bench role since Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro are expected to start in the backcourt, and Kevin Porter should also be ahead of him on the depth chart. Still, Burries has shown encouraging scoring instincts through two preseason appearances, and if he translates that into the regular season, he should be a player worth keeping close tabs on in most formats outside of dynasty leagues.

Rollins supplied 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block across 21 minutes in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason win over the Thunder.

Rollins followed his 15-point performance against Minnesota in the preseason opener with another encouraging outing, this time making a greater impact as a facilitator. He tied Ousmane Dieng for the team lead with seven assists while committing just one turnover and shooting efficiently from the field. Rollins has started both preseason contests alongside Tyler Herro, giving him an opportunity to establish himself as a reliable backcourt contributor heading into the regular season, and he seems to have a good grasp of a starting backcourt role with the start of the regular season right around the corner.

Herro recorded 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and a block across 23 minutes in Wednesday's 128-126 preseason win over the Thunder.

Herro bounced back from a relatively quiet preseason opener against Minnesota, connecting on three triples and shooting efficiently from the field. The guard started alongside Ryan Rollins and helped Milwaukee comeback after the Bucks trailed by 18 points at halftime. Herro should remain a prominent perimeter scoring option for Milwaukee, and while the team's revamped rotation could require some adjustment as the regular season approaches, his role as one of the team's go-to scoring weapons shouldn't be at risk.

Hendricks supplied 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot in 11 minutes during Wednesday's 122-118 preseason loss to the Magic.

Hendricks gave Memphis an efficient boost off the bench, but his rebound totals paled in comparison to his reseason debut. After averaging 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 26 games with Memphis last season, he's projected to play second fiddle to Cameron Boozer at the four spot.

Boozer registered 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes in Wednesday's 122-118 preseason loss to the Magic.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft possesses a superb all-around game that should earn him a spot in Memphis' starting lineup immediately. That kind of exposure should put him squarely in the Rookie of the Year conversation as the season gets underway.

Jackson posted 15 points (5-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and a steal across 14 minutes during Wednesday's 122-118 preseason loss to the Magic.

Jackson followed up a strong preseason debut with another strong scoring night and also contributed on the glass. He's in the final year of his contract and fighting for minutes in a crowded wing rotation that added Jerami Grant in the offseason, so continuing his steady preseason work is his best chance to move up the depth chart.

Banchero supplied 11 points (2-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-10 FT), one rebound and five assists across 15 minutes in Wednesday's 122-118 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Banchero struggled from the field but got to the line 10 times and repeatedly set up Wendell Carter and Desmond Bane while playing only two quarters. The offense ran primarily through Franz Wagner, with Banchero often working off the ball, a scheme that could ultimately help the Duke product's bottom line after logging a regression in his scoring average last season.