The Atlanta Hawks are entering their final preseason game with renewed confidence. Following last season’s exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Hawks went to work in the offseason, bolstering their roster to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
The results have already started to show. The Hawks have won two of their preseason matchups so far and have displayed improved defensive effort. But as they gear up to face the Houston Rockets in their last preseason outing on Thursday, there’s one burning question that fans have: whether Kevin Durant will play or not.
Will Kevin Durant Suit up Against the Atlanta Hawks Tonight?
Well, the answer will delight Houston Rockets fans. According to the latest injury report from ESPN Kevin Durant has not been listed. This means that he is all set to suit up for the Rockets in their final preseason game against the Hawks.
The Phoenix Suns wrapped up a disappointing 2024–25 campaign with a (36–46) record and missed the playoffs entirely, and this led to a rise of trade rumors around the team’s superstar trio: Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Among the three, Durant was the most likely trade candidate. It was because Booker was seen as the franchise cornerstone, while Beal’s no-trade clause complicated any move involving him. That left Durant as the logical option to move. And those rumors turned out to be true.
In July, Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team blockbuster deal. If we see many questions about how the 37-year-old would fit on a young Rockets squad, but Durant has quickly proved his worth. In the two preseason games he has played so far, he has averaged 17.5 points, three rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
As the Rockets prepare for their final preseason contest, all eyes will be on Durant once again. However, the Rockets aren’t entering the game at full strength. According to the team’s latest update, three players remain on the injury list. They are:
- Jae’Sean Tate: Day to Day (Ankle Issue)
- Dorian Finney-Smith: Day to Day (Ankle Issue)
- Fred VanVleet: Out for the Season (ACL Tear)
A Look at the Condition of the Atlanta Hawks Squad
On the other side, the Hawks are entering Thursday’s game fully healthy as ESPN’s report lists no players on their injury report. That means they’ll have their complete roster ready to go.
Moreover, they will be led by Trae Young and Jalen Johnson, both of whom have looked sharp this preseason. The Hawks have won two of their three preseason games so far and are expected to put up strong resistance against Durant and the Rockets.
The October 16 matchup is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, and with both teams looking to end their preseason on a high note, fans can expect an exciting clash.
