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Mar 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives with the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Atlanta Hawks vs Houston Rockets: Starting Lineups For Tonight's Preseason Game

Originally posted on Atlanta Hawks on SI
By Jackson Caudell | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:19 PM ET

Hawks basketball is finally here. While just a preseason game, this is going to be the first time that we have seen this new look Hawks team in action, and there is going to be plenty of intrigue around this squad tonight.

Both teams just announced their starting lineups for tonight's game:

Atlanta Hawks:

G- Trae Young

G- Dyson Daniels

F- Zaccharie Risacher

F- Jalen Johnson

C- Kristaps Porzingis

Houston Rockets:

G- Reed Sheppard

G- Amen Thompson

F- Jabari Smith Jr

F- Tari Eason

C- Alperen Sengun

No Kevin Durant tonight for Houston.

Players to watch

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

In this first preseason contest, who are going to be the players to watch tonight?

I don't think there is a player that Hawks fans want to see more than Porzingis. He is perhaps the most talented big man that Trae Young has ever played with in his career and his ability to stretch the floor and provide rim protection are why so many are high on the Hawks heading into this season.

Porziņģis averaged 19.5 points, shooting a career-best .412% from three-point territory, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks in 28.8 minutes during the 2024-25 season (.483 FG%, .809 FT%). His .412% from deep ranked 25th in the NBA last season amongst all players and was the second-highest clip amongst all 7-footers, trailing only Karl-Anthony Towns.

He knocked down a career-high tying eight three-pointers twice during the 2024-25 season (Jan. 29 vs. Chicago, April 8 at New York), the only 7-footer in the league to have multiple games with at least eight three-pointers. He owns four career outings with eight made triples, the only 7-footer in league history to have four such games.

If not Porzingis, Johnson is going to be the guy that Hawks fans want to see the most tonight.

The last time we saw Jalen Johnson, he was headed off the court in a loss to the Toronto Raptors, and he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He looked to be ascending towards his first All-Star game until his season was cut short. Johnson is one of the best young talents in the game, and if he continues to improve, the Hawks' ceiling will only get higher.

Every team wants to see their first round pick in action for the first time.

Newell did play in Summer League of course, but this is going to be the first chance that we have had to see him play with guys like Trae Young and the other Hawks starters. Newell's role is a bit unclear heading into the season as being a rookie on a contending team can be a tough thing as far as playing time and projection, but the Hawks are in a position where they can bring Newell along slowly. Tonight is going to be the first chance to see what his potential might be for this season.