Thunder drop 106-89 in a preseason tilt as their top stars sat, turning the spotlight toward a developing depth chart and Cooper Flagg’s anticipated Mavericks debut. The Thunder’s offense looked rudderless early, with a 31% clip and too little primary ball-handling, but Jaylin Williams popped as the standout in the group with a clean outside stroke and steady floor presence. Oklahoma City also leaned on the energy of Brooks Barnhizer and the steadiness of Ousmane Dieng, while Cason Wallace endured a rough shooting night in the lead-guard role.

Dallas leaned on its emerging depth, letting Flagg and Anthony Davis headline a front-row of rotation pieces who produced behind a strong free-throw surge and efficient scoring from the bench. PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy and Max Christie each hit double figures, and Dereck Lively II anchored the paint in bursts. Overall, the result mattered less than the evaluation of roles, minutes, and potential fantasy-paths as both teams sharpen for Opening Night.

Flagg’s 10-point burst and Davis’ quiet 7 and 7 provided a glimpse into how Dallas plans to balance a cached veteran with a rising cohort. For fantasy, Williams’ outside shot, Dieng’s versatility, Barnhizer’s motor, and the Thunder’s unsettled backcourt figure as early indicators of who could carve out safe nightly roles during the regular season, even as the box score tells a preseason story.

Thunder fall 106-89 to Mavericks in Fort Worth as OKC tests a deep, young core.

Jaylin Williams (14) and Cason Wallace (8) pace the guard group; Brooks Barnhizer goes for 16 and 7; Ousmane Dieng fills the stat sheet with 12, 7 and 6 assists; Cooper Flagg debuts with 10 and 6.

Flagg's upside remains the long view, while Williams and Wallace could push for meaningful minutes early. The bench unit shows playmaking and defensive versatility, offering tangible fantasy upside in multi-cat formats.

Ousmane Dieng enters his fourth season with a crowded OKC rotation, with patience, readiness, and opportunity as the trio of keys. The Thunder will lean on a championship core, meaning late-season burn and improved perimeter shooting could unlock value for the young forward. A likely trade adds volatility, but the path to meaningful minutes remains plausible for a player who has flashed shot-making and length.

Three strategic goals frame Dieng’s year: stay patient in a deep group, capitalize on any playing-time window, and approach a fresh start if a trade comes. OKC’s title-contending window is centered on Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren, which keeps Dieng’s development both challenging and potentially rewarding for fantasy managers who chase depth and speculative upside.

Ousmane Dieng, a promising prospect for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has seen limited playing time during his three-year career, averaging just 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds. However, general manager Sam Presti remains optimistic about his development. Despite being overshadowed by fellow 2022 draftees Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Dieng has shown flashes of potential, particularly during his time in the G League, where he excelled and earned MVP honors in the Finals.

Presti acknowledges that Dieng's journey requires patience, attributing his development challenges to his age and transition from international play. With one year left on his contract, Dieng must seize every opportunity to prove himself, as he may not find a lasting role with the Thunder. Presti believes that even if Dieng doesn't fit in Oklahoma City, he could still carve out a niche in the league given his recent improvements.