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Rockets Announce Kevin Durant's First Game in Houston

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Stone | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 10:23 PM ET

The Houston Rockets are just over two weeks away from kicking off their 2025-26 NBA season with a road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets are hoping for a big year out of Kevin Durant, who will be relied upon especially heavily in the absence of injured starting point guard Fred VanVleet.

Before the regular season, the Rockets will have a few games to tune up with their preseason slate, which begins on Monday evening against the Atlanta Hawks. Veteran players often either miss games entirely or play limited minutes in preseason action, leading some fans to wonder whether they would see Durant at all this preseason.

On Monday, shortly before the game against the Hawks, they got their answer.

Kevin Durant (7) celebrates after defeating France in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports© Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

"Kevin Durant will NOT play tonight, per Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Durant WILL play Wednesday," reported Michael Shapiro of Chron on X.

On Wednesday, the Rockets will be back at home to host the Utah Jazz, which will be fans' first chance to see Durant in action.

The Rockets' preseason will mark a chance for head coach Ime Udoka to solidify his rotations heading into the season, particularly in the absence of VanVleet. One starting spot is up for grabs, and many fans have pined for second-year guard Reed Sheppard to take over as the team's starting point guard.

Sheppard didn't play much during his rookie season due to defensive concerns, but the Rockets may need someone with his exact skillset--three-point shooting and the ability to run an offense--now that their starting point guard is out indefinitely.

The Rockets' regular season slate is set to begin on October 21 on the road against Durant's former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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