Ace Bailey will get the start in Wednesday’s preseason game against the Rockets, a notable opportunity for the fifth overall pick following the absences of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Jusuf Nurkić joins the lineup as a significant offseason addition, while Keyonte George, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Taylor Hendricks provide continuity. Hendricks returns to the court after a severe leg fracture sidelined him early in the previous season. Coach Will Hardy faces decisions on how the regular-season rotation will shape up.