Because of COVID-19, teams will play more than a normal amount of back-to-back matches this NBA season. The Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings are no different. They are facing off again at the Toyota Center.
Preview for Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings
The Rockets won a closely contested game a couple of days ago to open their account for the season; however, the impressive Kings might feel a little hard done by that loss.
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A few Houston players, most notably John Wall, returned after sitting out the first few games in accordance with league protocols.
John Wall doing it all! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZeifOpWybT
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 1, 2021
Houston Rockets – Starting 5
Guard – John Wall
Guard – James Harden
Center – Christian Wood
Forward – DeMarcus Cousins
Forward – Danuel House
Although the previous game saw Cousins return to the fold, it was only in a bench capacity. After Wall, it may be time to unleash the other injury-prone former All-Star. And it has the added motivation of playing against the team that drafted him and where he played his best basketball to date.
Silas should relegate the disappointing PJ Tucker to bench duty. While it will also be interesting to see how Christian Wood and Cousins gel together.
Woods has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with 25 points and 9.3 rebounds to his name. The Rockets may have well and truly abandoned their ‘Small Ball’ lineup altogether.
Sacramento Kings – Starting 5
Guard – De’Aaron Fox
Guard – Buddy Hield
Center – Richaun Holmes
Forward – Harrison Barnes
Forward – Marvin Bagley III
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There is no lead for coach Luke Walton to tweak the Kings’ lineup. They have started the season with some aplomb, propelling them to a winning record till now. Fox is playing a starring role with 20.6 points and 6.6 assists per game to his name.
Predictions for Rockets vs Kings
Although the Kings will be looking to avenge their loss, the Rockets have seemingly found their feet and may throw a spanner in the works.
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The return of Wall was a huge boost for them. And he showed no signs of rust considering how he took to the court after a gap of 2 years. And Cousins being re-instated into the starting lineup may be the icing on the cake for them.
It promises to be a spicy affair yet again, whatever the result may turn out to be. The All-Star calibre guards in both teams mean it will be a heavy-scoring contest.