There\u2019s only a handful of games left for each team in preseason, meaning we\u2019re inching closer to the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season.<\/p>\n
The 2025 NBA Draft class was thought of to be a strong one, and that\u2019s been confirmed with several notable performances from lottery picks, late-firsts, second rounders and more.<\/p>\n
Below, we\u2019ll highlight several rookie matchups or performances you should be keyed in on:<\/p>\n
The top matchup of the night will happen in the late slot at 8 p.m. CT, where Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks will face off against Ace Bailey and the Utah Jazz.<\/p>\n
Flagg continues to be the highest-profile newbie in the league, having already played a few halves of basketball for the Cavs. Through those two games \u2014 where he\u2019s averaged just under 19 minutes per game \u2014 he\u2019s managed 10.5 points on 50% shooting, with 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All in all, Flagg\u2019s been as-advertised in limited minutes.<\/p>\n
Ace Bailey, though, has been stellar. He\u2019s looked like the best player on the floor for long stretches, averaged 22.5 points on a blazing 66% shooting, with 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Ace Bailey through two preseason games:<\/p>\n
– 22.5 PPG
– 6.5 RPG
– 2 APG
– 2 SPG
– 19\/29 from field (65.6%)
– 4\/10 from three (40%)<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not sure he could be playing much better than he has through two games. pic.twitter.com\/wHtkudFIKF<\/a><\/p>\n