Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings March 1st 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Sacramento Kings will travel to Houston to take on the Rockets. The Rockets are favored by 4.5 points and have a record of 37-22, which is good for 5th in the Western Conference. The Kings, who are 10th in the West, have won two straight and are 30-28 on the season.

This game will be played at the Toyota Center and can be seen on NBCS. The over/under line for this Western Conference matchup is 228.5.

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Kings vs. Rockets Key Information

The Kings improved to 30-28 on the season with a 118-101 road win over the Jazz on Wednesday. Sacramento, favored by 9.5 points, covered the spread, while the game’s total of 219 points fell short of the 236.5 O/U line.

After a 22-22 tie in the 1st quarter, the Kings took control by outscoring the Jazz 33-24 in the 2nd quarter. They extended their lead to 83-69 by the end of the 3rd, and closed out the game by edging Utah 35-32 in the 4th.

Keegan Murray knocked down 5 threes at a 50% clip and led the Kings with 26 points in their win over the Jazz, shooting 56.2% from the field. Zach LaVine added 22 points, hitting 4 threes at 50%, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 19 points and 8 assists, shooting 57.1%.

The Kings hit 15 threes as a team, shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc and 52.9% overall. DeRozan scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while LaVine added 13 in the 2nd.

The Kings put together a solid defensive performance on Wednesday, limiting the Jazz to 101 points. Sacramento held Utah to 22 points in the 1st quarter and 23 in the 3rd, allowing 32 points in the 4th. The Jazz shot 45% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Kings gave up 16 threes on 36% shooting. They sent the Jazz to the line 17 times, where Utah made 9 free throws. Sacramento also grabbed 40 defensive rebounds, allowing 7 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals and 7 blocks.

The Rockets improved to 37-22 on the season with a 118-106 win over the Spurs on Wednesday. Playing at home, Houston entered the game as 7-point favorites and covered the spread with a 12-point victory. The total score of 224 points fell just short of the 227.5-point over/under line.

A key moment in the game was Houston’s 10-0 run, which extended their lead from 16-7 to 26-7. The Rockets dominated the first three quarters, leading 101-75 going into the 4th, but the Spurs outscored them 31-17 in the final period.

Amen Thompson’s efficient 80% shooting led the Rockets to a win over the Spurs, as he finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jalen Green added 21 points, while Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, hitting 5 threes at a 62.5% rate.

Houston shot 47.1% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 11 threes at 28.9%. Thompson scored 9 points in the 3rd quarter, while Jalen Green had 9 in the 1st, and Brooks added 9 in the 3rd.

The Rockets put together a strong defensive performance on Wednesday, holding the Spurs to just 106 points. Houston set the tone early, allowing only 20 points in the 1st quarter and 26 in the 2nd. San Antonio scored 29 in the 3rd and 31 in the 4th, but the Rockets’ defense held firm.

Houston limited the Spurs to 42% shooting from the field and just 17% from three-point range, with San Antonio making only 7 threes. The Rockets also sent the Spurs to the line 21 times, where they made 15 free throws. Houston finished with 40 defensive rebounds, giving up 12 offensive boards, while adding 4 steals and 5 blocks.

The Kings come in as the underdog at +4.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 228.5 and our model has the Kings and Rockets finishing with a combined 272 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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Rockets’ Jalen Green Providing Lift Ahead of Matchup vs. Kings

The Houston Rockets will get a boost with the return of veteran guard Fred VanVleet on Saturday against the visiting Sacramento Kings, but even in his absence, the team has shown signs of improvement.

Rockets Finding Their Groove

The Rockets have gone 3-1 since the All-Star break, capped by a 118-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Strong defense and dominant rebounding have been key to their success, with Houston boasting a plus-35 rebounding margin over the past two games.

However, Houston is at its best when it combines defensive intensity with efficient offense. Fourth-year guard Jalen Green has stepped up, especially in VanVleet’s absence, and has been a driving force behind their recent success.

Green has been in rhythm since the break, averaging 26.5 points and 5.3 assists over the last four games. His efficiency has also been a highlight, shooting 47.6% from the field and an impressive 45.2% from three on 10.5 attempts per game.

“It really opens up everything when he’s shooting those shots or hitting them,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It opens up his driving lanes (and) brings the big up and opens up the pocket. He’s been very consistent. Even on what folks would say is an off night, he’s still getting in that 20-point scoring range and consistently doing other things as well. He’s been very good lately for sure.”

Green is currently shooting a career-best 35.9% from deep on 8.3 attempts per game. His ability to combine elite athleticism with perimeter efficiency has unlocked new potential for both him and the Rockets.

Kings Adjusting Without Fox

The revamped Kings are still adjusting after trading De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs at the deadline. Sacramento has found recent success, winning back-to-back games, including a convincing 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Establishing a new offensive identity without Fox remains a challenge. Domantas Sabonis remains the focal point, but with dynamic scorers DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the mix, the Kings are working to find the best way to maximize their talent.

LaVine (22.9 ppg), DeRozan (22.0 ppg), and Sabonis (19.9 ppg) lead Sacramento in scoring. Sabonis also anchors the team in rebounding (14.4 rpg) and assists (6.3 apg).

“It’s more about being simple and not working your way into a game,” Kings interim coach Doug Christie said. “We have guys in that lineup who have done a lot in this league and dynamic scorers. We have to keep the game simple playing to our strengths, and one of those is playing through Domas, especially in the halfcourt, and allowing us to get downhill.”

As the Kings continue to refine their new system, Saturday’s matchup will be another test against a surging Rockets team eager to continue its momentum.

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