Warriors forward Kevin Durant will play Thursday night against the Pacers grieving the death of his close friend Cliff Dixon, who was shot and killed Thursday morning outside of an Atlanta bar. He was 32.

Dixon was standing in the parking lot outside SL Lounge, where he was celebrating his birthday, just after 1 a.m. when a gunman shot him multiple times, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dixon was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Dixon grew up in the same area of Suitland, Md., as Durant. When Dixon was 16, Durant’s mother, Wanda, invited him to live with their family.

Dixon played junior college basketball in Tennessee and Kansas before transferring to Western Kentucky, where he was dismissed by the Hilltoppers midway through the 2010-11 season for a violation of team rules. Dixon went on to play for teams in Mexico, Austria and Brazil.

“Obviously, a very difficult time for Kevin and Kevin’s family,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “Obviously, the family involved. Quinn Cook was very close with the victim as well, so a very somber mood in shoot-around today. I know Kevin’s going to play tonight. He didn’t say anything about not playing.

“For most of us who play this game or coach this game, this is kind of our refuge. Being able to play, being able to immerse yourself in the game. It’s kind of the best way to deal with something tragic, something difficult. I know he’ll be playing with a heavy heart tonight, and I hope he can lose himself in the game and find some joy in the game itself.”

During his 2013-14 MVP speech, Durant thanked Dixon, saying: “All my friends, Cliff (Dixon), Charlie (Bell), Vernon (Dixon), Tay (Young), Randy (Williams), Ryan (Lopez). You keep me sane every single day. There’s days where I come home upset from a game or practice and you just brighten my day up. I thank you guys. You mean the world to me. I wouldn’t be here without all you guys. This is our trophy, too.”

Thursday afternoon, Wanda Durant tweeted, “The Durant family extends our deepest condolences & prayers to Cliff’s mother, siblings, family & friends. Our family was an extension of his & we shared wonderful memories. His transition is an incredible loss for all of us who loved him, he will be missed dearly #CliffDixon RIP.”

Dave East, a rapper who played AAU basketball with Durant and Dixon, wrote on Instagram of Dixon that “I Can’t think of no memories with @easymoneysniper or @tdurant And u wasn’t there. We been cool since like 16-17 years old.”

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Con_Chron