Houston, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Hawks are set to start their preseason with an opener in Houston. With notable new players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis, the team aims to enhance its performance. Coach Quin Snyder emphasizes the preseason for experimenting with lineups as they prepare for upcoming games. The Hawks, coming off a season of 40-42, hope the new acquisitions will lead to a more successful campaign ahead.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks are set to kick off their preseason with an away opener in Houston on Monday night at 8 p.m. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise, as they welcome several new players who are expected to make significant contributions this season.
Prior to their departure for Houston, the Hawks held a practice session at their facility in Brookhaven on Sunday morning. Among the newcomers are Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis, all of whom are anticipated to play crucial roles in the team’s performance moving forward. During the practice, Porzingis demonstrated his shooting skills by successfully making three-pointers, while Kennard engaged in a three-point shootout with teammates, including last season’s strong long-range shooter, Vit Krejci.
Kennard expressed enthusiasm about translating their training into game performance, while Krejci noted the strong push within the team during training camp, highlighting their eagerness to compete cohesively as a unit. Krejci also mentioned a positive outlook following a long offseason, indicating that the team has improved its understanding of one another as they prepare for the new season.
The Hawks will also see the return of Zaccharie Risacher, last year’s runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year, who is now equipped with greater confidence and experience. His role is expected to expand with the comeback of Jalen Johnson from injury. In addition to these developments, the team’s All-Star guard and leading scorer, Trae Young, remains under contract for one more year and was observed shooting three-pointers during practice, though he did not take questions from the media afterward.
Head coach Quin Snyder indicated that the preseason is an excellent opportunity to experiment with various lineups, which will be vital as the Hawks prepare to face tough opponents. Their upcoming schedule includes games against the Memphis Grizzlies, with additional home games against the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets. The regular season for the Hawks is set to open at home on October 22 against the Toronto Raptors.
Looking back at the previous season (2024-25), the Hawks finished with a record of 40-42, marking the eighth consecutive season with fewer than 43 wins. The expectation is that the recent acquisitions will significantly enhance the team’s talent landscape and potentially lead to a more successful campaign ahead.
FAQs
When does the Atlanta Hawks preseason start?
The Atlanta Hawks will begin their preseason away from home, starting with an opener in Houston on Monday night at 8 p.m.
Who are the new players on the Atlanta Hawks?
Newcomers to the team include Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis, who are expected to play significant roles this season.
What did Kristaps Porzingis do during practice?
During practice, Kristaps Porzingis was observed successfully making three-pointers.
What is the significance of the preseason for the Hawks?
The preseason presents an opportunity to experiment with different lineups.
What is the Hawks’ season record from the previous year?
Atlanta finished the previous season (2024-25) with a record of 40-42, marking the eighth consecutive season with fewer than 43 wins.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Preseason Start | Hawks’ opener in Houston on Monday night at 8 p.m. |
| New Additions | Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porzingis |
| Practice Highlights | Porzingis making three-pointers, Kennard in three-point shootout |
| Upcoming Games | Against Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets |
| Last Season Record | 40-42, eighth consecutive season with fewer than 43 wins |
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Additional Resources
- The Atlanta Voice
- Sports Illustrated
- Atlanta Hawks Official Website
- ESPN
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Hawks Preseason
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
