NBA Notes: Blazers, Deni Avdija, Warriors, Brandon Williams, Bulls

Blazers

Damian Lillard’s scoring was encouraging. His ability to get past defenders may have been the better sign.

That was among the observations from Elias Esquivel of Blazers on SI⁠ after Portland’s 123-118 preseason-opening win over the short-handed Warriors on Wednesday.

Lillard scored 15 points, while Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 23 on 9-of-13 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Esquivel highlighted Avdija’s ability to remain productive while sharing more of the offensive responsibilities with Lillard and Ja Morant.

Morant’s debut was less polished. He finished with eight points, five assists and four turnovers, though Esquivel cautioned against reading much into one preseason appearance.

There were contributions inside, too. Donovan Clingan collected 10 rebounds, and Robert Williams III finished with eight points, five rebounds and five blocks.

Golden State rested several prominent players, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The competition will get tougher, but Portland got an early look at its new offensive pieces sharing the floor.

Warriors

Miles Kelly and Dalen Terry gave the Warriors something to consider, even if finding room for them is another matter.

Kelly scored 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting against Portland. Terry added 23 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and four steals.

In his breakdown, Joey Akeley of Warriors on SI⁠ argues that Kelly deserves consideration for a two-way spot. Golden State’s three slots currently belong to LJ Cryer, Graham Ike and Malevy Leons.

Akeley questions whether Leons, who shot 2-of-11 Wednesday, should retain his spot over a player with more offensive upside. He also makes clear that he has seen no reporting indicating the Warriors plan to waive Leons.

Terry faces a different obstacle. He isn’t eligible for a two-way contract, and Akeley notes that Golden State’s full standard roster and financial constraints complicate keeping him.

Brandon Williams, meanwhile, strengthened his case to stick on his non-guaranteed deal with 17 points and four assists in 18 minutes. Akeley views him as an increasingly clear fit behind Curry.

Bulls

The Bulls’ preseason opener offered some encouraging scoring from their young forwards and an early hint about coach Tiago Splitter’s rotation.

Matas Buzelis and rookie Caleb Wilson each scored 15 points in a 124-117 win over the Suns. Neither found his outside shot, combining to go 0-for-10 from three.

Still, Elias Schuster of Bulls on SI⁠ liked Buzelis’ early aggression attacking the basket and noted flashes from Wilson against Phoenix’s physical defense.

Schuster also flagged Patrick Williams’ place in the rotation. Williams and Noa Essengue didn’t enter until midway through the third quarter, after Splitter had already used several other reserves.

One exhibition doesn’t settle anyone’s role, but that’s worth tracking as Chicago gets healthier.

Nic Claxton and Zach Collins were among the absences. Jalen Smith responded with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Dailyn Swain supplied 10 points and six assists. Chicago also made 28 of 32 free throws to help overcome its uneven stretches.