Overview

• Head coach Ime Udoka confirmed Durant is available for all four preseason games, with star minutes expected to be limited.
• The preseason opener tips at 8 p.m. ET at Toyota Center and is available locally on Space City Home Network and via NBA League Pass.
• Udoka has Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. penciled in as starters, with the fifth spot to be determined by matchups.
• Rookie guard Reed Sheppard is an early candidate for the rotating fifth starter as Houston evaluates internal ball-handlers.
• Fred VanVleet is out for the season and Dorian Finney-Smith will miss the opener with an ankle injury, sharpening the focus on guard depth and wing availability.