Which NBA teams should make trades
Breaking down which NBA teams need to get aggressive in the trade market.
The Sacramento Kings, who have lost five consecutive games, desperately search for a win when they host the Houston Rockets Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) at the Golden 1 Center, in the second night of back-to-back games.
The Kings (6-22) dropped their Saturday night game against the Portland Trail Blazers, 98-93, despite a team-high 21 points from reserve guard Dennis Schröder. Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan each had 15.
Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud added 17 points and 11 rebounds, giving him back-to-back double-doubles as he continues to show his growth in the league. The 7-foot-1 French sensation out of Stanford has averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game so far in the month of December.
The Rockets (17-8) currently have the fifth best record in the Western Conference following their 115-101 victory against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 20. Houston was led by one of the league’s most prolific scorers, Kevin Durant, who had a game-high 31 points.
These teams last met in Houston on Dec. 3 when the Rockets prevailed 121-95.
Here’s what to know about Sunday night’s Kings vs. Rockets matchup.
Kings keys to victoryWith a 6-22 record, the Kings are mostly focused on seeing what their young guys have. However, if Sacramento is going to string together a couple wins, coach Doug Christie has to find minutes for Malik Monk. The Kings could use an extra scorer on the floor with Zach LaVine injured.Make it tough for Houston’s big three of Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Durant. Also, don’t sleep on Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard.Keep an eye out for Kings center Dylan Cardwell and how he affects the game. He was a +18 in 21 minutes in the game against Portland ,contributing four points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Sacramento will need more of that as they look to contain Şengün and match an enforcer in Steven Adams.
Kings injury reportDoug McDermott: Left knee soreness, expected to return on Dec. 21.Zach LaVine: Left ankle sprain, expected to return on Dec. 27.Domantas Sabonis: Left knee soreness, expected to return on Jan. 1.Drew Eubanks: Left thumb avulsion fracture, expected to return on Feb. 1.Rockets injury reportDorian Finney-Smith: Ankle surgery rehab, expected to return on Jan. 1.Fred VanVleet: Torn ACL, out for the season.How to watchStart time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California)TV Channel: NBC Sports California; Space City Home Network (Houston)Live stream: NBA League PassKings vs. Rockets odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Sunday evening.
Spread: Rockets by 11.5 (-115)Over/Under: 223.5 (O/U -105)Moneyline: Rockets -625Kings next five games