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Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets: preview and Win Meter

Sacramento Kings → Houston Rockets →

Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets on Thursday, February 11 looks like a mismatch on paper. Our ratings give the Rockets about a 88% chance, and the Kings would need an unusual night to change that.

Why the gap is wide

The Win Meter reads the Rockets 88%, with a projected score of Sacramento Kings 109, Houston Rockets 121. The rating gap is 241 points in favor of the Rockets, and home court and rest add about 100 rating points for the Rockets on top of that.

A reading this high has real meaning, but upsets of this size happen. Nearly one game in 8 like it goes the other way.

Recent form

The Kings are 0-2 this season and 1-4 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -8.8. The Rockets are 3-0 this season and 4-1 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +3.

The Kings were beaten 121-96 on the road by LAC not long ago.

The Rockets' best recent win was 128-110 at home against DAL.

The Rockets were beaten 98-78 at home by LAL not long ago.

Injuries to watch

Out: Dylan Cardwell (SAC), expected back Nov 2, 2026, Maxime Raynaud (SAC), expected back Nov 2, 2026, Ben Simmons (SAC), expected back Oct 1, 2027, and Sean Pedulla (SAC).

Day to day or questionable: Keegan Murray (SAC), Fred VanVleet (HOU), Steven Adams (HOU), and Marcus Smart (HOU). Their status can change before tip-off.

The season series

In our records of recent meetings, the Kings lead 5-2, with the Rockets outscoring the Kings by an average of 2.7 points per game. The last meeting was SAC 97, HOU 128.

Last five games

Oldest to newest. Tap a result for the score.

Kings1-4, -8.8 avg margin
Rockets4-1, +3 avg margin

Pick a result above.

Keys to the game

  • The Rockets arrive in better form (W-L-W-W-W against L-W-L-L-L).
  • Health: 4 players are listed as out, so watch who steps into the rotation.
  • Home court is worth about three and a half points in our model, which helps the Rockets.

Recent meetings

  • Feb 25: SAC 97, HOU 128
  • Jan 11: HOU 98, SAC 111
  • Dec 21: HOU 124, SAC 125
  • Dec 3: SAC 95, HOU 121
  • Mar 1: SAC 113, HOU 103

Injury report

Sacramento Kings
  • Dylan Cardwell Out · back Nov 2
  • Maxime Raynaud Out · back Nov 2
  • Ben Simmons Out · back Oct 1
  • Keegan Murray Doubtful · back Oct 25
  • Sean Pedulla Out
Houston Rockets
  • Fred VanVleet Day to day · back Oct 26
  • Steven Adams Day to day · back Oct 26
  • Marcus Smart Day to day · back Oct 26

Win Meter

12%
88%
KingsRockets

Projected score: Kings 109, Rockets 121

Model estimate for information and entertainment.

Win Meter lab

The reading comes from the rating gap plus a bonus for home court and rest. Slide the bonus to see how much it matters.

12%
88%
KingsRockets

Matchup at a glance

SACHOU
Record0-23-0
Last 5LWLLLWLWWW
Points per game108121
Allowed per game124.5111.3
Days of rest––
Rating13551596

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