Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 16 | 2024-25 NBA Season 

The Houston Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Thursday. This will be the second of three meetings between the two teams this season. On Dec. 3, the Kings defeated the Rockets 120-111 in a game that was also held in Golden 1 Center.

The Houston Rockets (27-12) are currently No. 2 in the Western Conference. They enter Thursday's showdown with the momentum of a five-game winning streak. Houston, the best rebounding team in the league, notched its latest victory against the Denver Nuggets 128-108 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings (20-20) are tied with the Golden State Warriors for ninth place in the Western Conference. Since interim head coach Doug Christie took the reins from Mike Brown in late December, the Kings have won seven of their last nine outings. However, their most recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks ended in a 130-115 defeat.

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings: Injury report

Houston Rockets injury report

Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) and Jock Landale (personal reasons) have been ruled out of the Rockets-Kings contest. Meanwhile, Tari Eason is deemed doubtful due to leg injury management.

Sacramento Kings injury report

Jordan McLaughlin is out for personal reasons. Devin Carter (shoulder) is questionable for this game against the Rockets, while Malik Monk (groin) is listed as probable.

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings: Predicted starting lineups and depth chart

Houston Rockets

Starters	2nd unit	3rd unit
Fred VanVleet	Aaron Holiday
Jalen Green	Reed Sheppard	Nate Williams
Dillon Brooks	Cam Whitmore
Amen Thompson	Jeff Green	Jae'Sean Tate
Alperen Sengun	Steven Adams

Sacramento Kings

Starters	2nd Unit	3rd Unit
De'Aaron Fox	Kevin Huerter
Keon Ellis	Colby Jones
Keegan Murray	Jae Crowder	Doug McDermott
DeMar DeRozan	Trey Lyles	Isaac Jones
Domantas Sabonis	Alex Len

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings: Key matchups

Amen Thompson vs. DeMar DeRozan

This matchup is an interesting contrast of styles at the power forward position. On the one hand, Thompson is a freak athlete with explosive hops and the agility to run the length of the floor. Meanwhile, DeRozan is a prolific scorer whose midrange game is the stuff of legend. Both frontcourt players are expected to bring energy and scoring production to their respective teams.

Alperen Sengun vs. Domantas Sabonis

There is no shortage of versatility in this battle of the bigs. Both Sengun and Sabonis have gifted hands, impeccable footwork, and an intense determination to dominate the paint. These two centers hold the key to controlling the pace of the game, a factor that could ultimately decide which team takes the W.