NBA Pistons and Thunder Assign Isaiah Stewart, Joe Starting Roles Sunday

The Detroit Pistons will start Isaiah Stewart in Monday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies; Stewart provided bench spark in 2024-25 (6.0 PTS, 5.5 REB, 1.4 BLK in 19.9 minutes over 72 games) but is not expected to supplant Jalen Duren in the regular-season starting five. Oklahoma City will hand starts to several non-regulars in its preseason opener, with Isaiah Joe joining Aaron Wiggins, Nikola Topic, Jaylin Williams and Ousmane Dieng as the lineup while usual starters rest. Jaylin Williams — coming off a three-year, $24 million extension after averaging 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 2024-25 — will get a preseason start. Nikola Topic, who missed all of 2024-25 with a torn ACL, will also start as he looks to earn a meaningful bench role this season. Isaiah Joe acknowledged OKC's deep rotation and said he is focused on improving his shot, creating space and, importantly, his defense after seeing his minutes decline in the playoffs despite strong regular-season three-point shooting.