What happened: Atlanta went to its reserves en masse after the opening nine minutes. Those starter minutes produced 22 points allowed. The next six reserve minutes produced 28 allowed with Memphis ahead 58-46 and the game in progress.

Why it matters: Preseason minutes test second-unit assignments and rotation timing. Allowing more in fewer minutes extends an in-progress deficit and pressures the return rotation.

What to watch: The next rotation will show when starters return and whether the second unit adjusts coverages.