Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.25.26
Sacramento Kings
Houston Rockets
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Key Matchup: Top Scorers
D. DeRozan
K. Durant
Detailed Analysis
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.25.26
The Sacramento Kings (13-46) travel to the Toyota Center on February 25, 2026, to face a Houston Rockets (35-21) team eyeing a deep postseason run. This matchup highlights a stark contrast in momentum; while Houston remains a powerhouse in the Western Conference, Sacramento is struggling to remain competitive amidst a catastrophic wave of injuries to their core rotation.
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Matchup Preview
Sacramento Kings Key Stats & Trends
Sacramento’s season has been defined by personnel losses rather than on-court execution. With a dismal 13-46 record, the Kings are leaning heavily on veteran DeMar DeRozan, who leads the team with 18.6 PPG. The loss of their primary facilitator and interior anchor has forced Maxime Raynaud (7.0 RPG) into a larger role. Without their usual offensive flow, the Kings have struggled to maintain efficiency, often relying on Russell Westbrook’s 6.4 APG to ignite a depleted bench.
Injury Report Sacramento Kings
- Devin Carter (Day-to-day): Carter (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Rockets.
- De’Andre Hunter (Out): Hunter is set to undergo season-ending eye surgery.
- Dylan Cardwell (Out): Cardwell sprained his left ankle and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
- Domantas Sabonis (Out): Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.
- Zach LaVine (Out): LaVine will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hand.
Houston Rockets Key Stats & Trends
The Rockets continue to thrive behind the elite scoring of Kevin Durant, who is averaging a stellar 25.9 PPG. Houston’s offensive identity revolves around the high-post playmaking of Alperen Sengun, who leads the team in both rebounds (9.1 RPG) and assists (6.3 APG). Despite backcourt injuries, Houston’s defensive length and Durant’s efficiency make them a mismatch for a Kings team missing its best defenders.
Injury Report Houston Rockets
- Amen Thompson (Out): Thompson is out due to left quadriceps tendinitis.
- Jae’Sean Tate (Out): Tate has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
- Steven Adams (Out): Adams has undergone season-ending left ankle surgery.
- Fred VanVleet (Out): VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and may be out for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Best Bet
Given that Sacramento is missing three of its top four scoring options (Sabonis, LaVine, and Hunter), they lack the firepower to keep pace with Houston’s top-tier offense. The Rockets’ frontcourt dominance with Sengun and Durant should exploit the void left by Sabonis. Expect Houston to control the glass and the paint from the opening tip.
The definitive pick is Houston Rockets -13.5 (Spread). Regarding the total, with both teams missing primary floor generals in VanVleet and Sabonis, the offensive rhythm will likely be disrupted. We recommend the under on the 221.5 total points line, as Sacramento will struggle to contribute significantly to the scoreboard.
Last 5 Games: SAC
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ Memphis | W 123-114 | Westbrook 25 | Raynaud 13 | Westbrook 7 |
| @ San Antonio | L 139-122 | Murray 20 | Raynaud 12 | Monk 6 |
| vs Orlando | L 131-94 | Raynaud 17 | Raynaud 14 | DeRozan 6 |
| @ Utah | L 121-93 | DeRozan 20 | Cardwell 10 | Clifford 6 |
| @ New Orleans | L 120-94 | Raynaud 21 | Raynaud 19 | Clifford 6 |
Last 5 Games: HOU
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Utah | W 125-105 | Smith Jr. 31 | Eason 10 | Durant 12 |
| @ New York | L 108-106 | Durant 30 | Eason 12 | Thompson 7 |
| @ Charlotte | W 105-101 | Durant 35 | Durant 8 | Sengun 7 |
| vs LA | L 105-102 | Durant 21 | Smith Jr. 12 | Durant 6 |
| vs LA | W 102-95 | Durant 26 | Smith Jr. 10 | Sengun 5 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.
