Bogdanovic scores 15 as Rockets beat Thunder 116-89 in preseason

Bogdan Bogdanovic, new to the Houston Rockets, scored 15 points with 6 rebounds in a 116-89 preseason win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, October 15. New York beat Toronto 122-120 the same night.

The results do not count, so the interest is in who produced. The regular season starts Tuesday, October 20.

Bogdanovic also had 1 steal. His Keel Impact last season was -1.6 over 453 minutes in 23 games with the LA Clippers. One night does not change that, but it is a start in a new place. Alperen Sengun added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists; his Impact last season was -0.1, essentially average.

For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams had 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 17 points. Gilgeous-Alexander's Impact last season was 8.5, well above the All-Star mark. Our outlook has the Thunder at 54 wins, second in the West, and Houston at 47, fourth.

Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points and 4 blocks. His Impact last season was 3.4, a clear starter level. RJ Barrett added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Jalen Brunson had 20 points and 7 assists for the Knicks, and Mikal Bridges had 14 points and 2 blocks. Brunson's Impact last season was 2.2 and Bridges' was 1.9.

Our outlook has Toronto at 48 wins, fourth in the East, and New York at 45, sixth. The projected stronger side lost, which tells little in October.

• PreseasonFinal

  

  Toronto RaptorsScottie Barnes 23 pts · RJ Barrett 21 pts

  120

  

  New York KnicksJalen Brunson 20 pts · Mikal Bridges 14 pts

  122

  All of the night’s scores →

• PreseasonFinal

  

  Oklahoma City ThunderJalen Williams 18 pts · Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 17 pts

  89

  

  Houston RocketsBogdan Bogdanovic 15 pts · Alperen Sengun 14 pts

  116

  All of the night’s scores →