Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 21 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings will face each other at the Golden 1 Center in California on Sunday. It will be the teams’ second meeting of the season, after Houston claimed a convincing 121–95 victory in their previous encounter.

Both teams enter this matchup with contrasting results in their previous games. The Rockets secured a 115-101 win against the Denver Nuggets, while the Kings were defeated 98-93 by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Houston improved to 17–8 and maintained the fifth seed in the Western Conference with the win, while the Kings dropped to 6–22 and fell to the bottom of the standings following the defeat.

The Rockets will aim to build momentum with a second straight win on Sunday, putting their solid 9–6 road record to the test against a Kings side that has gone 3–9 at home this season.

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Rockets -675, Kings +490

Spread: Rockets -11.5 (-118), Kings +11.5 (-102)

Total over/under (o/u): Rockets o226.5 (-108), Clippers u226.5 (-112)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings preview

Sunday’s contest marks the Houston Rockets’ fourth game of a six-game road trip. After snapping a two-game skid with their first win of the stretch in their last outing, Houston will look to carry that momentum forward.

Houston has emerged as one of the league’s most complete teams, making its presence felt on both ends of the floor. The Rockets rank among the top three in both offense and defense, averaging 121.1 ppg while holding opponents to 112.1 ppg.

Kevin Durant continues to lead the team in scoring, averaging 25.1 ppg, and enters the matchup following back-to-back 30+ point games. Alperen Sengun has provided steady support, posting 23.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.

The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, enter the matchup on a five-game losing streak. The skid has sent them to the bottom of the Western Conference standings, leaving them as one of just three teams yet to reach double-digit wins.

Their lack of wins is reflected in their performances on both ends of the court. The Kings rank third from the bottom in offensive efficiency, scoring 111.7 ppg, while also struggling defensively by allowing 122.8 ppg, the league’s 27th-worst mark.

Zach LaVine has been their best performer this season, averaging 20.2 ppg. However, DeMar DeRozan has been the most consistent player for the Kings, playing all but one of their games this season, recording 18.2 ppg.

Both sides will be shorthanded for Sunday’s contest. Houston will again be without Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Fred VanVleet. Sacramento, meanwhile, will be missing Drew Eubanks, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis.

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings predicted starting fives

Houston Rockets predicted starting five

PG- Amen Thompson, SG- Reed Sheppard, SF- Kevin Durant, PF- Jabari Smith Jr., C- Alperen Sengun

Sacramento Kings predicted starting five

PG- Russell Westbrook, SG- Malik Monk, SF- DeMar DeRozan, PF- Keegan Murray, C- Maxime Raynaud

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings betting tips

Kevin Durant is projected to score over 25.5 points, following his 31-point outing. He is averaging 25.1 ppg.

Keegan Murray is expected to score over 15.5 points. He is averaging 15.0 ppg this season.

Alperen Sengun is projected to collect over 9.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.5 rpg.

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings betting prediction

The Houston Rockets are -11.5 favorites against the spread. Although the Kings have home court advantage, injuries to key players and the Rockets' away record should allow them to earn a decisive win.

Prediction: Rockets to win by 7 points or more.