The Kings and Rockets have met once this season, where Sacramento picked up a nine-point home win. While the Kings are not on their hot streak anymore, they could use another shot of momentum to continue to climb up the Western Conference standings. Thursday's matchup is not a must-win for the Kings, but it would certainly help.

The Kings beat the Rockets 120-111 on Dec. 3 in Sacramento. Rockets coach Ime Udoka, forward Tari Eason and center Alperen Sengun were fined $50,000, $35,000 and $15,000, respectively, after tempers flared in the final minutes.

The Houston Rockets look to continue streaking through Western Conference playoff contenders Thursday night with a road trip to face the Sacramento Kings.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings NBA game to be played on January 16, 2025 on ESPN.

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The last time the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings met, Houston led by 54-43 in the second quarter. Sacramento then made their next 15 straight shots. Over the ensuing 7:51 of game time, the Kings scored 33 points (a 200-point pace for Sacramento) and the game was essentially over.