76ers' T.J. McConnell: Comes off bench in preseason finale

McConnell came off the bench in Friday's 113-110 preseason win over the Heat, finishing with seven points (3-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt), five rebounds and three assists across 22 minutes.

Analysis:

Though it's expected McConnell will open the regular season as the 76ers' starting point guard while Jerryd Bayless (wrist) remains sidelined indefinitely, Friday's preseason finale suggests that things may not be so cut and dry. Sergio Rodriguez ended up logging the start and supplied 13 points and four assists in 26 minutes, perhaps closing the gap in his competition with McConnell, who did start the second half despite coming off the bench. More clarity on the starter and backup roles should arrive in the team's practices leading up to Wednesday's opener against the Thunder, but McConnell and Rodriguez could face an even split of the minutes regardless of which unit they end up on.