Kings vs Rockets: A Tale of Two NBA Teams on February 25, 2026
The Sacramento Kings are set to clash with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston. This NBA matchup presents a stark contrast in team fortunes, with the Rockets soaring near the top of the Western Conference while the Kings languish at the bottom amidst a prolonged losing streak.
Injury Woes Plague Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings enter this game severely depleted by injuries, with several key players sidelined for the season. Their injury report for February 25, 2026, reveals significant absences that could heavily impact their performance.
- Dylan Cardwell (C): Out due to a left ankle sprain, with an expected return around March 19.
- Devin Carter (PG/SG): Questionable with low back soreness.
- De’Andre Hunter (SF): Out for the season following left eye retinal repair surgery.
- Zach LaVine (SG): Out for the season after right 5th finger tendon repair.
- Domantas Sabonis (C): Out for the season due to left knee meniscus repair.
- Isaiah Stevens (PG): Out as he is on a G League two-way contract.
With Sabonis and LaVine out for the season, the Kings will heavily rely on veterans DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk, along with rising star Keegan Murray. Rookie Maxime Raynaud is expected to step into the starting center role to fill the void left by Sabonis.
Houston Rockets Injury Report
The Houston Rockets also face injury concerns, but their core lineup remains largely intact and available for the game. Their injury list includes:
- Steven Adams (C): Out following left ankle surgery.
- Jae’Sean Tate (SF): Out with a right knee sprain.
- Amen Thompson (SG): Out due to left quadricep tendinitis.
- Fred VanVleet (PG): Out after right knee ACL repair.
- Tristen Newton (PG): Out as he is on a G League two-way contract.
Despite these absences, Houston's star players Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason are all expected to be in the lineup, giving them a significant advantage.
Team Records and Statistical Comparison
The disparity between the two teams is evident in their season records and statistical rankings. The Houston Rockets boast an impressive 35-21 record, placing them third in the competitive Western Conference. In stark contrast, the Sacramento Kings have struggled to a 12-46 record (with some updates showing 13-46), sitting at the very bottom of the standings and currently enduring a 16-game losing streak.
A detailed team stats comparison through 58 games for the Kings and 56 for the Rockets reveals Houston's dominance across multiple categories:
- Points Per Game: Kings rank 26th with 110.1 points, while Rockets lead the league with 114.5 points.
- Rebounds Per Game: Kings are 23rd with 41.3 rebounds, whereas Rockets are first with 48.5 rebounds.
- Assists Per Game: Kings rank 16th with 25.0 assists, slightly above the Rockets at 25th with 24.7 assists.
- Field Goal Percentage: Kings are 22nd at 46.2%, compared to Rockets at 10th with 47.3%.
- Three-Point Percentage: Kings struggle at 29th with 34.0%, while Rockets excel at 6th with 37.0%.
- Opponent Points Per Game: Kings rank 28th, allowing 121.1 points, whereas Rockets are third, conceding only 109.4 points.
Houston clearly leads in scoring, rebounding, and defensive efficiency, while Sacramento ranks near the bottom in most metrics and allows over 121 points per game on average.
Head-to-Head History and Season Meetings
Interestingly, despite their struggles, the Sacramento Kings have won two of the three meetings against the Rockets this season. They secured victories on January 11 (111-98) and December 21 (125-124 in overtime), while Houston won decisively on December 3 (121-95). Historically, the Rockets maintain a commanding all-time series lead of 142-103.
Game Outlook and Predictions
Houston enters this matchup with a clear advantage, particularly in the interior game. Without Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento is likely to struggle defending the paint against Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, who are expected to lead Houston's scoring charge.
For Sacramento to remain competitive, DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray will need to deliver exceptional performances. The Kings' ability to keep the game close may hinge on their perimeter shooting and defensive intensity. However, if Houston controls the rebounding battle and dictates the pace early, the game could quickly slip away from the Kings.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. This matchup not only highlights the current state of both franchises but also underscores the challenges teams face when dealing with significant injury setbacks during the grueling NBA season.
