The Houston Rockets are leaving one house of horrors in Portland for another in California when they fly to take on the Sacramento Kings.<\/p>\n
The Kings have won the last three matchups between these teams in California\u2019s capital, with all three being frustrating for the Rockets. Just a few weeks ago, Houton held a 14-point lead before promptly squandering it. Then in overtime, Tari Eason left his assignment in the corner and the Kings hit the game-winning three pointer after Jabari Smith Jr. only made two of his three free throws on the previous trip down the floor.<\/p>\n
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Basically, if Houston allows this game to be close, I\u2019m just not sure they can win. The Kings have several players than can play 1-on-1 and right now, the Rockets are a bad team in close games. Honestly, Houston\u2019s only path to winning right now seems to be when opponents just give up. And when you blow multiple double digit leads with a few weeks, teams are less likely to give up because they know you\u2019re susceptible to the run.<\/p>\n
Tip-off<\/p>\n
8pm CT on January 11, 2026<\/p>\n
How To Watch<\/p>\n
Space City Home Network<\/p>\n
Injury ReportRockets<\/p>\n
Alperen Sengun: OUT<\/p>\n
Tari Eason: GTD<\/p>\n
Kings<\/p>\n
Keegan Murray: OUT<\/p>\n
The Line (as of this post)<\/p>\n
Hou -5.5<\/p>\n