Rockets vs Kings Prediction, Top Bets: ATS, Game Total and Prop Picks for January 16
- Include Sacramento -4 in your Rockets vs Kings betting picks today.
- Bet on Keon Ellis scoring over 1.5 3-pointers (+161)
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The Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings meet tonight. The Rockets have soared to the second seed in the Western Conference, while a head coaching change may have turned the Kings’ season around.
Let’s take a look at some Rockets vs Kings betting lines to find our top bets.
Rockets vs Kings Game Information
- Game: Houston Rockets (27-12) vs. Sacramento Kings (20-20)
- Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
- Day/Time: Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:00 p.m. ET
- Rockets vs Kings Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Get updated Rockets vs Kings injuries here.
Rockets vs Kings: 3 Best ATS, Total And Prop Bets
1. Sacramento Kings ATS -4
It has seemingly taken no time for interim head coach Doug Christie to get buy-in from his players. After the Kings fired Mike Brown, Christie took over. He lost the first game but won seven straight until the Bucks’ loss.
While Brown’s firing at the moment felt like an exaggerated response to a tough start to the season, it might have been the right choice. The biggest reason might be the Kings’ defense. Over that seven-game winning streak, they had the third-best defensive rating in the league (106.5), compared to being ranked 15th in the season (113.5).
That defensive buy-in was not the only improvement. During the winning streak, the Kings’ offensive rating was 117.5, compared to 115.7 on the season. That is not the most significant shift, but it changes NBA game predictions, along with the defense.
FINAL: Kings fall to the Bucks, 130-115.
👑 DeMar DeRozan: 28 PTS, 6 REB
👑 De’Aaron Fox: 20 PTS, 11 REB
👑 Keon Ellis: 18 PTS, 4 REB
👑 Domantas Sabonis: 16 PTS, 10 REB— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 15, 2025
The offense was not an issue in the loss to the Bucks at all, and they just allowed 130 points. DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, while De’Aaron Fox scored 20 with 11 rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis also nearly had a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. However, in the two losses in Christie’s tenure, Malik Monk was out with injury, which is worth noting.
2. Rockets vs Kings Over 224.5
The Rockets‘ season stats clearly show that they rely on their defense. They are third in points allowed (107.3) and defensive rating (107.9), helping them to the second seed in the West.
However, their offense has started to find its groove recently. Sure, it is a small sample size, but in the four games before facing the Nuggets, the Rockets averaged 123.3 points per game. They scored 135 against the Washington Wizards but also had big games against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies twice before dropping 128 on the Nuggets.
Jalen Green over the last 5 games:
34 PTS – 1 REB – 5 AST – 62% FG
42 PTS – 3 REB – 4 AST – 72% FG
27 PTS – 2 REB – 3 AST – 52% FG
29 PTS – 8 REB – 2 AST – 45% FG
33 PTS – 6 REB – 4 AST – 50% FG pic.twitter.com/YmTwzINVIK— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 16, 2025
Jalen Green has undoubtedly been at the front of the Rockets’ offense, taking off and averaging 35.3 points per game during that four-game stretch. He had 43 points in a win over the Grizzlies, which showed how hot a player he is now. Green also had 34 points to beat the Nuggets. However, Green is not the only player playing well, as he is one of four players who averaged over 16 points per game in that stretch.
Given that the Kings’ defense just had a bad outing and how good the Rockets’ offense has been, NBA expert picks could lean towards the over in this game. Plus, with how good the Kings’ offense has been, this could quickly turn into a shootout.
Best Bet: Rockets vs Kings Over 224.5
3. Keon Ellis Over 1.5 3-Pointers (+161)
Keon Ellis might be a surprise name to back in player props, but since Christie has taken over, his role on the Kings has gotten much more prominent. Before the coaching change, Ellis averaged 19.9 minutes per game, which has been upped to 27.9 under Christie.
That has led to Ellis being a crucial part of the offense. He averages 2.3 made threes per game and just went 5-8 from behind the line against the Bucks. Against the Rockets, he should continue to do that, hitting the over on his threes for my best NBA player prop bet tonight.
Best Bet: Keon Ellis Over 1.5 3-Pointers (+161)
More NBA Picks Today January 16
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Questions Of The Day
Is there going to be any All-Stars on the court?
The Kings won’t have any All-Stars, but the Rockets should have at least one. It is just unclear who.
Who can lead this game in scoring?
The way Green is playing right now, he could be in for another big scoring night.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets
