PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets hold third place in the Western Conference with 35 wins and 21 losses , entering this matchup as heavy favorites against one of basketball's most struggling franchises. The Sacramento Kings own the worst overall record in the NBA at 13-46 , yet they arrive in Houston riding some unexpected momentum after snapping a franchise record 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 road victory against Memphis . The Rockets' defensive prowess presents a significant challenge, particularly given their elite ability to allow low quality three-point attempts (ranked 1st) while the Kings rank among the league's worst at defending the perimeter (ranked 29th in bad defense against three-point shooting). Houston has been a dominant home team this season, winning 19 of their first 26 games at home and ranking as the third-best home team in the conference. Kevin Durant leads the Rockets' offense with 26 points per game , and Alperen Sengun averages 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in what represents a formidable one-two punch for Sacramento to contain. The Kings' offensive struggles become more apparent when examining their low spacing on offense (ranked 26th) and inefficient three-point shooting (ranked 25th) , weaknesses that could be magnified against Houston's stingy perimeter defense. Sacramento possesses the second-worst offense in the league, with only Brooklyn being worse , making their recent win against Memphis feel like an outlier rather than a turning point. The Kings have won the last three matchups between these teams in California's capital , suggesting there's history here that could play into Sacramento's confidence, even if the odds remain overwhelmingly stacked against them.