Overview

• Houston edged New Orleans 130-128 in Birmingham to remain unbeaten in exhibition play.
• Smith posted 26 points in 22 minutes with a +23 plus-minus, hitting 4-of-10 from deep and all eight free throws.
• Udoka started Alperen Sengun alongside Steven Adams for only the second time since April 4, and the pairing posted strong plus-minus numbers, including Adams at +26.
• Amen Thompson scored 21 and Tari Eason added 20 off the bench, while Sengun tallied 8 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists with 6 turnovers.
• Udoka cited turnovers and defensive recognition as concerns and said Kevin Durant, Sengun and other regulars will likely sit Thursday’s preseason finale in Atlanta ahead of Tuesday’s opener.