SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks and predictions for Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings on Thursday night

The Houston Rockets are in an exciting position halfway through this 2024-25 NBA season. With a strong record of 30-14, they are sitting second in the Western Conference and showing impressive growth as a young team.

DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points and Domantas Sabonis recorded his league-leading 36 th double-double of the season to lead the Kings to a 132-127 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

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.

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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 Sacramento Kings edged out the Houston Rockets with a final score of 132-127 during last night’s thrilling matchup. DeMar DeRozan was the standout performer for the Kings and led the team to a much-needed victory.

Unfortunately, Sacramento's key sixth man has been ruled out for the remainder of the game after injuring his ankle. Ellis took an awkward step on teammate Domantas Sabonis' foot, immediately folding to the floor before heading to the locker room.

On a road back-to-back, Jalen Green and the Rockets visit Sacramento (-3.5) on Thursday night. It’s the second TNT game of the season for Houston.

Analyzing Thursday’s Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Rockets thrive on havoc ... second half but couldn’t finish the job in a 132-127 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. If the Rockets had won, it would have matched ...