What happened: Norman Powell tallied seven points and two rebounds through the first 12 minutes of Friday's 3 p.m. ET matinee. The All-Star guard wearing No. 24 after his July signing delivered immediate scoring production in the opening frame.

Why it matters: Powell's perimeter shooting has been a central focus since training camp opened in late September for his debut campaign in Chicago. Consistent early offense from the veteran guard helps stabilize a unit seeking reliable outside shooting at the start of the 2026-27 regular season.

What to watch: Powell will look to sustain his scoring efficiency across the remaining three quarters of Friday afternoon's contest.