The Sacramento Kings will host the Houston Rockets at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM PST. This matchup features two teams in strong form: the Kings have won seven of their last eight games, while the Rockets are on a five-game winning streak.
The Kings, currently holding a 20-19 record, are led by Domantas Sabonis, who averages 20.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. De'Aaron Fox contributes 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest. Sacramento's offense is potent, ranking eighth in the league with 116.2 points per game. Defensively, they allow 113.5 points per game, indicating room for improvement.
The Rockets, boasting a 27-12 record, are led by Alperen Sengun, who averages 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Jalen Green adds 21 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest. Houston's defense has been impressive, ranking third in the NBA by allowing only 107.3 points per game. Their offense averages 113.3 points per game, placing them 12th in the league.
In their previous encounter on December 3, 2024, the Kings defeated the Rockets 120-111. However, the Rockets have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams.
Given the Rockets' recent form and their strong defensive capabilities, they are favored to win this matchup. However, the Kings' potent offense and home-court advantage make them a formidable opponent. This game promises to be a closely contested battle between two high-performing teams.
The NBA season kicks off on Thursday, January 16, when the Houston Rockets travel to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, to play the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference battle. Given how well both teams have been playing, this matchup between two formidable contenders is sure to be thrilling.
Having won six of their previous seven games, the Houston Rockets come into this game with a lot of enthusiasm. They defeated the Denver Nuggets 128-108 on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to five games. Alperen Sengun, who finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, just missed a triple-double, while Jalen Green spearheaded the attack with 34 points and 5 assists on 10-of-16 shooting.
Fred VanVleet completed the Rockets' well-rounded offensive attack with 16 points and 8 assists. Houston made 17 of 38 three-point tries and shot an outstanding 52% from the field as a team. The tone for the victory was established by their dominance in the first half, outscoring Denver 69-48.
The Rockets' defense caused 20 turnovers, which they turned into 34 points, even though they let the Nuggets shoot 53% from the field and 48% from three-point range. Before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 130-115 on Tuesday night, the Sacramento Kings had won seven straight games. De'Aaron Fox contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
