The Houston Rockets (27-12) and Sacramento Kings (20-20) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Kings are 4.5-point favorites over the Rockets on the spread, with the over/under set at 224.5 total points. Sacramento is a -170 favorite to win outright, while Houston is +145 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Rockets vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, January 16.
Rockets vs. Kings Prediction, Picks
Spread
The spread for this game opened at Kings -2 and has since moved to Kings -4 or -4.5.
This is expected for the Kings to take the first wave of action because the Rockets are on the second night of a back to back, with travel, and playing their 3rd game in four nights.
When the line opened, the Rockets were playing in Denver, so the injury risk of a player getting hurt during the first game meant the action was going to come on Sacramento.
I actually agree here, the matchup between these two teams has been split, and the Rockets rest spot is terrible. Take the Kings ATS as a best bet.
Moneyline
The moneyline is -170 for the Kings, and I would always prefer laying the short number instead of the ML price.
If you feel differently and like the Rockets, then I would flip my suggestion and say take some +145 alongside the Rockets spread and play for the escalator.
Three (-3) is the beginning of NBA key numbers. I think 3-9 are important, but with only one of them and expected late game fouling, play the slight favorites ATS or slight underdogs on the ML escalator.
Over/Under
The Under has emerged as a strong spot here.
The current number is 224.5, I expect this to be the closing line, or maybe even close a touch higher because of Malik Monk being listed as probable.
When he is activated, it will move the total up a hair. But, that's when you should buy the raise and take the Under.
The Rockets should rely on their defense, and the Kings spacing has been weak. Bring in the tough schedule spot and potential let down for Houston here, and it remains a clear Under spot.
I have already played both the Under and Kings ATS in my personal betting, but at the current numbers, prefer to only bet Kings ATS, and then wait for the Under to pop back up.
My Pick: Kings -3
Rockets vs. Kings Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 224.5 -110 / -110 | +145 |
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 224.5 -110 / -110 | -170 |
- Rockets vs. Kings spread: Kings -4.5
- Rockets vs. Kings over/under: 224.5 total points
- Rockets vs. Kings moneyline: Kings -170, Rockets +145
- Rockets vs. Kings best bet: Kings -3
My Kings vs. Rockets best bet is on Sacramento to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings NBA Preview
The Kings are playing great basketball under new head coach Doug Christie, and will return Malik Monk to their team tonight who provides a crucial offensive spark.
The Rockets, on the other hand, find themselves in a dreadful schedule spot.
We can almost classify this as a scheduled loss, playing their third game in the last four nights capped off by a road back-to-back, with a matchup against a fast-paced Denver team in altitude yesterday, and then having to travel up to Sacramento to take on a hot Kings team today.
I expect a physical battle where ultimately the Kings pull away.
Rockets vs. Kings Best Bets, Predictions
If you are interested in a small same game parlay, take the Kings ATS and a few Unders on Rockets props.
Considering the schedule spot, if this gets out of hand early, we may see the veterans for Houston play less minutes.
I am specifically looking to fade Fred VanVleet, as Jalen Green has also been hot recently.
Best Bet: Kings -3
Kings vs. Rockets Parlay Picks
- Kings -3
- Fred Van Vleet Under 2.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Dillon Brooks Under 3.5 Three-Pointers Made
Parlay Payout: +325
