Overview

• Ime Udoka said four starters are set, naming Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and the newly confirmed Jabari Smith Jr.
• Smith returns to the first unit after a post-injury bench stint last season, following praise for his offseason and defensive versatility.
• The final starting role will be tested in preseason among guard Reed Sheppard, wing Tari Eason and center Steven Adams, with matchups potentially guiding choices.
• Fred VanVleet is out with a torn ACL and Dorian Finney-Smith is unlikely to be cleared for the Oct. 21 opener after ankle surgery, limiting veteran options.
• ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported growing on- and off-court chemistry between Durant and Smith from offseason work together.