Thanks to Saturday’s commanding win over the Kings, the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets (2-3) suddenly find themselves on a winning streak. But Sacramento (2-3) will have an immediate opportunity for revenge in Monday’s rematch at Toyota Center.
The story for the Rockets of late has involved strong play by forwards Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. and improved defense across the board. The Kings had averaged more than 110 points per game over their first four contests, but Houston held them below 90 points on Saturday, including just 36 in a pivotal second half.
So, after climbing off the mat following a disspiriting 0-3 start to the 2023-24 season, how will Ime Udoka’s new-look Rockets handle their first taste of success? That’s one of the big questions as Houston’s seven-game homestand reaches its midpoint on Monday night.
Both the Kings (De’Aaron Fox, Trey Lyles) and Rockets (Tari Eason, Amen Thompson) were missing expected rotation players on Saturday, and all remain listed as out for Monday’s rematch.