The Houston Rockets are leaving one house of horrors in Portland for another in California when they fly to take on the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings have won the last three matchups between these teams in California’s 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.
Basically, if Houston allows this game to be close, I’m 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’s 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’re susceptible to the run.
8pm CT on January 11, 2026
The Line (as of this post)
Looking ahead because we can
Tuesday night at home against the Chicago Bulls
