Sports Betting Picks

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings – NBA Preview – Jan 16, 2025

The Houston Rockets (27-12) visit the Sacramento Kings (20-20) at the Golden 1 Center on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET. Both teams are in strong form, with Houston sitting second in the Western Conference and Sacramento winning seven of their last nine games under new coach Doug Christie.

The last meeting between these teams was on December 3, 2024, when the Kings defeated the Rockets 120-111 in Sacramento. Jalen Green scored 28 points for Houston in that game, while Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 27 points and 11 rebounds. The Rockets look to avenge that loss in this highly anticipated rematch.

Houston Rockets Preview – Staying Hot in the West

The Rockets are riding a five-game win streak and have won 10 of their last 13 games. Jalen Green has been the centerpiece of their success, averaging over 30 points per game during this stretch. In their most recent outing, Houston cruised past the Denver Nuggets 128-108, with Green scoring 34 points.

Houston’s offensive efficiency is driven by their league-leading rebounding (48.4 RPG) and second-chance opportunities. Alperen Sengun contributes heavily in the paint, averaging nearly a double-double. Amen Thompson has been an all-around force, particularly on defense, averaging 12 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks over the last five games.

The Rockets’ defense is solid, ranking 10th in opponent field goals made. Their physical play and ability to dominate the boards have been key factors in their rise to second in the conference standings.

Sacramento Kings Preview – Thriving Under New Leadership

The Kings have surged under interim coach Doug Christie, winning seven of their last nine games. Despite a 130-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their previous game, Sacramento has been nearly unbeatable at home under Christie, going 4-0 during this stretch.

Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox anchor the Kings’ attack. Sabonis is averaging a double-double for the season, while Fox continues to deliver in clutch moments. Sacramento’s balanced offense is supported by contributions from role players like Keegan Murray and Kevin Ellis, who combined for 29 points in their last outing.

Defensively, the Kings have improved but still allow too many points in transition. They rank 26th in points allowed in the first and second quarters, which has put them in early deficits they’ve had to overcome. Maintaining a consistent defensive effort will be critical against Houston’s high-powered offense.

Betting Prediction

The Kings are slight favorites at -4.5, with a total set at 225.5. Houston’s recent form and superior rebounding give them a significant edge, even on the road. Sacramento’s home success under Christie is promising, but the Rockets’ ability to dominate inside and create second-chance points should be the difference.

Projected final score: Rockets 116, Kings 112. Take Houston to cover and lean toward the over, as both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently in recent games.

Pick: Rockets +4.5, Over 225.5

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