Hawks and Rockets Kick Off Preseason Showdown in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas — The Atlanta Hawks will open their exhibition basketball season on Monday night against the Houston Rockets. This marks the beginning of a four-game stretch for the Hawks as they integrate several new players into their roster.

The game will give both teams an opportunity to evaluate their preparations ahead of the regular season, set to begin soon. The Hawks’ notable offseason changes include the acquisition of all-star forward Kristaps Porzingis and shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

According to Hawks guard Trae Young, the team is excited about the upcoming season. “It’s just a new year, a fresh year, where everybody’s 0-0, now, and we got some new pieces,” Young said. He added, “The vibes are really high. I mean, the best part is, we’re all on the court.”

The Rockets also underwent significant changes in the offseason and are expected to be strong contenders in the league, despite facing challenges including injuries to key players like Fred VanVleet. Players Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard will likely take on larger roles in VanVleet’s absence.

The preseason exhibition games provide a crucial platform for teams to test new strategies and player combinations in a competitive setting. Both the Hawks and the Rockets will look to gain insights into their progress as they prepare for the intense competition of the regular season.

Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup as the teams showcase their new rosters. The game will offer a glimpse into what the upcoming season holds for both franchises.