The Houston Rockets didn't have Kevin Durant in their preseason premiere. It didn't make a difference because their young core was able to carry the day.
The starting lineup told the story. When the tip-off commenced, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun were on the floor. They led the Rockets to a 122-113 victory over the new look Hawks.
Granted, this was a preseason game. The Hawks' best players mostly saw low-minute totals. Still, that doesn't change the fact:
The Rockets' young core looked even more promising than before.