NBA Player News

Nurkic (foot) is listed as out for Tuesday's preseason game against Denver.

Nurkic is dealing with a foot issue, so he will miss Utah's second preseason game on the schedule. With Kyle Filipowski (back) also sidelined, Jaxson Hayes, Mo Bamba and Jonas Aidoo should handle the bulk of the minutes at the center position.

Filipowski (back) is out for Tuesday's exhibition versus the Nuggets.

Filipowski has yet to play or practice since the preseason began on Oct. 4. His next chance to suit up will come next Monday against the Spurs.

Jones is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder, Andrew Lopez of Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.

Jones will start on the wing, with Zion Williamson and Yves Missi as the frontcourt pairing. The former Alabama standout was limited to just 56 regular-season appearances in 2025-26 and averaged 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while logging 28.4 minutes per game. If he stays healthy, he should be a lock in the starting unit.

Bey will not start in Tuesday's preseason game against Oklahoma City, Andrew Lopez of Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.

Bey will come off the bench in the Pelicans' first preseason game. The veteran signed a three-year extension in September after averaging 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 31.2 minutes per contest in 72 regular-season games in 2025-26.

Missi will start in Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder, Andrew Lopez of Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.

Joining Missi in the first unit for Tuesday's exhibition will be Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson. Across 14 starts last season, Missi averaged 7.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per contest.

Williams is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

The Thunder are resting all of their regular starters for this pre-season opener, and Williams will benefit from that to get the nod at power forward. The veteran will play in his ninth season in the NBA and seventh with the Thunder, and should have the same depth role he's had throughout his career in OKC.

Stirtz will start in Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

Stirtz is getting the start with Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso all sitting out Tuesday's exhibition. Stirtz played well for the Thunder at Summer League, so it'll be interesting to see what he can do against tougher competition in the preseason.

McCain will start in Tuesday's preseason game against New Orleans, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

With the Thunder sitting their usual starters, McCain will start versus the Pelicans. The 22-year-old appeared in 30 regular-season games for Oklahoma City during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 10.4 points and 2.1 rebounds over 18.0 minutes per contest.

Mitchell is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason matchup with the Pelicans, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

The Thunder are holding out all five of their usual starters for Tuesday's preseason opener. Joining Mitchell in the first unit for Tuesday's exhibition will be Jared McCain, Bennett Stirtz, Kenrich Williams and Aday Mara.

Mara is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

The Thunder are resting several key rotation members, meaning Mara will get the nod at center. The rookie was the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and will battle Jaylin Williams for the backup center role behind Isaiah Hartenstein, so a strong preseason will be key to winning that gig.