Thunder Guard Oweh Out After Achilles Surgery

The short-handed Dallas Mavericks lost 101-97 to the New Orleans Pelicans in a preseason game, with eight players—including Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama—sitting out. Rookie Tobi Lawal led a bright spot off the bench with 16 points, while Dallas’ starters struggled to score. Ahead of the preseason finale, coach Dusty May said Johnson, who has been dealing with shin splints, is nearing a return; Aldama is also progressing after knee surgery but is not expected to play in the finale, with the team hoping he will be ready for the season opener.