The Houston Rockets, riding high in the Western Conference standings with a potent offense and stout defense, head to California to face the struggling Sacramento Kings, who are mired at the bottom of the league amid injuries and poor form. This interconference matchup presents a golden opportunity for the Rockets to extend their winning ways against a Kings team that’s lost 22 of their last 25 games. While Houston’s depth and road prowess give them a clear edge, Sacramento’s home crowd could provide a spark if their remaining stars like De’Aaron Fox step up. Below is a detailed analysis of the key elements for this contest.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. This modern arena, with a capacity of approximately 17,500, opened in 2016 and is known for its energetic atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, serving as the Kings’ home court.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT local time). The game will be broadcast on League Pass, with radio coverage on Sactown Sports 1140 AM and 790 AM / S: (Spanish). Streaming is available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, but the Kings’ situation is more dire, with key starters sidelined long-term. Reports are based on the latest available data as of January 10, 2026; the official report for this game was not yet submitted.
Houston Rockets:
Fred VanVleet (PG): Out – Torn ACL. Suffered the injury earlier in the season and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Alperen Sengun (C): Out – Ankle injury. Expected to miss around two weeks, per head coach Ime Udoka.
Tari Eason (PF): Game-time decision – Ankle. Trending toward playing after missing recent games.
Isaiah Crawford (SF): Game-time decision – Illness. Out for the previous game but could return.
The Rockets’ backcourt and frontcourt depth are tested without VanVleet and Sengun, forcing reliance on Jalen Green and Amen Thompson.
Sacramento Kings:
Domantas Sabonis (C): Out – Knee injury. Sidelined since December 18 and expected to miss extended time.
Keegan Murray (PF): Out – Undisclosed injury. Reported to miss at least 3-4 weeks as of January 5.
Isaiah Stevens (PG): Game-time decision – Illness. Status uncertain after recent absences.
The Kings’ frontcourt is decimated without Sabonis and Murray, leaving DeMar DeRozan and De’Aaron Fox to shoulder the load.
Key Player Matchups
With injuries altering lineups, the Rockets’ athletic wings could overwhelm Sacramento’s depleted interior. Expect Houston to target mismatches in transition.
Jalen Green (Rockets SG) vs. De’Aaron Fox (Kings PG): Green’s explosive scoring (averaging high 20s recently) against Fox’s speed and playmaking. Without VanVleet, Green handles more ball; Fox must contain him to keep Sacramento in it.
Amen Thompson (Rockets SF) vs. DeMar DeRozan (Kings SF): Thompson’s versatility and defense vs. DeRozan’s mid-range mastery. Thompson could limit DeRozan inside, but DeRozan’s experience might create foul trouble.
Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets PF) vs. Harrison Barnes or Trey Lyles (Kings PF, with Murray out): Smith’s spacing and rebounding against makeshift forwards. This frontcourt battle favors Houston’s youth and athleticism.
Dillon Brooks (Rockets SF) vs. Malik Monk (Kings SG): Brooks’ tenacious defense on Monk’s shooting. If Monk heats up from deep, it could spark Kings’ offense.
The Rockets’ depth gives them advantages across positions, especially in the paint without Sabonis.
Recent Team Forms
Houston Rockets: The Rockets are in excellent form, going 7-3 in their last 10 games with a balanced attack (averaging 118 PPG in wins). They recently blew out opponents like the Clippers but fell short in close losses. Defense has been key, holding foes under 110 in victories. Last 5: W-W-L-W-W (including a strong win over a contender).
Sacramento Kings: The Kings are reeling, with a 1-9 record in their last 10 and a three-game home losing streak. Offense has sputtered (under 100 PPG in losses), exacerbated by injuries. They managed a win against a weak team but have been blown out frequently. Last 5: L-L-L-L-W.
Series History
All-time, the Houston Rockets lead the Sacramento Kings 142-102 in 244 regular-season meetings. Recently, the series has been competitive, with each team winning one of the last two matchups (Rockets won 121-95 on December 3, 2025; Kings took the prior game). Houston has won 4 of the last 6 overall, but Sacramento has held serve at home in 3 of the last 5 at Golden 1 Center. The under has hit in 5 of the last 6 head-to-heads.
Betting Trends
Trends favor under, with Rockets’ road games going under in 5 of last 6 and Kings’ low-scoring struggles. Rockets are 1-4 SU in last 5 vs. Kings but 7-3 ATS in last 10 overall. Kings are 0-5 SU in last 5, 1-4 ATS, and 7-13 ATS at home. Houston is 1-4 SU last 5 against Sacramento, but current form flips the script. Under has hit in 5 of Houston’s last 6 road games.
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 12.5
Sacramento Kings 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
