NBA Handicapping Predictions – Rockets vs Kings
The Houston Rockets are coming off a huge win at Staples Center in Los Angeles against the Lakers Friday night.
NBA Basketball Matchup: Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings
9:00 PM EST
NBA Gambling Odds from BetOnline
NBA Betting Favorite: Off
Over/Under: Off
That win gave the team a big boost in their playoff efforts. Sacramento has been out of playoff contention for a long time, but they have been playing teams tough over the last couple weeks.
Houston needs a win, but it’s never easy to come out of Arco Arena on top of the home town Kings.
Houston has done an impressive job staying in the playoff picture without two of their best players. Both Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry have been out for several weeks, and they are out indefinitely. Those two account for 33 points per game, so the Rockets have had to see other guys step up.
Luis Scola is the remaining leading scorer at 16 points per game. Goran Dragic has turned many heads with his amazing performance down the stretch. Dragic has scored in double figures in 17 straight games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
This is a guy who rarely saw any playing time earlier this year. Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons have all contributed nicely as well.
Sacramento’s leading scorer Marcus Thornton is listed as doubtful for this game. The Kings are coming off a disappointing second half performance last night against the Clippers.
Sacramento has made a major effort to push the pace of late. The Kings play faster than anyone else in the NBA. Unfortunately, this team is very poor on the defensive end. They are last in the league in points per game allowed.
Opponents average 103.9 points per contest. DeMarcus Cousins averages 18 points and 10.9 boards per game. When he is at his best, this team is very competitive. Isaiah Thomas is a candidate for Rookie of the Year because of his impressive play at the point guard spot.
This game means more to the Rockets, and I think they’ll find a way to come out on top. It should be close all the way.
Prediction: Houston 107 Sacramento 105
