NBA · Final/OT

Kings Edge Rockets in Thrilling Overtime Finish

124

125

Sunday, December 21, 2025, 10:00 PM ET · Golden 1 Center

Sacramento Kings 125, Houston Rockets 124, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings?

Sacramento Kings beat Houston Rockets 125-124 at Golden 1 Center on December 21, 2025.

Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.

In a nail-biting encounter at the Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento Kings triumphed over the Houston Rockets with a final score of 125-124 after an intense overtime period. This victory comes as a much-needed boost for the Kings, who have struggled throughout the season, now holding a home record of 8-22, while the Rockets, despite the loss, maintain a strong away record of 17-10.

The Kings entered the game with a dismal recent form, having lost their last five games and posting a record of 1-9 over their last ten outings. They averaged 108.7 points scored per game while allowing 118.8 points, indicating significant defensive struggles. Their last game prior to this matchup was a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where they fell 93-98. In contrast, the Rockets had a more favorable recent performance, winning six of their last ten games, with an average of 118.8 points scored and 112.4 points allowed. They came into this game off a victory against the Denver Nuggets, winning 115-101.

Historically, the series between these two teams has been competitive, with this game tying the series at 1-1 for the current season. In their last encounter on December 4, 2025, the Kings were defeated decisively by the Rockets, with a score of 95-121. However, the Kings managed to turn the tables in this matchup, showcasing their resilience.

In terms of player availability, both teams faced injury concerns. The Kings had several key players listed as day-to-day, including Domantas Sabonis (knee), Keegan Murray (ankle), Zach LaVine (hand), and De'Andre Hunter (eye). The Rockets also had significant players on the injury report, such as Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle), all listed as day-to-day. The absence or limited availability of these players could have impacted the game dynamics.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by 12.5 points, with a total set at 222.5. The odds indicated a strong expectation for the Rockets to win, reflecting their better record and recent form. However, the Kings defied these expectations with a spirited performance.

The game was played under typical indoor basketball conditions, with both teams battling for crucial points in a high-pressure environment. Viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, particularly in overtime, where the scoring plays were pivotal. Dennis Schroder made a driving layup to give the Kings a narrow lead, while Jabari Smith Jr. responded with a three-point jumper to tie the game. The back-and-forth continued as both teams exchanged free throws and baskets, culminating in a dramatic finish where Schroder hit a crucial three-pointer to seal the victory for the Kings.

This game exemplified the unpredictability of the NBA, where the underdog Kings managed to pull off a surprise win against a favored Rockets team, showcasing the excitement and competitive nature of the league.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -12.5	222.5 o -112 / u -108	Houston Rockets -625 · Sacramento Kings +455

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Domantas SabonisDay-To-DayKneeSacramento Kings
Keegan MurrayDay-To-DayAnkleSacramento Kings
Zach LaVineDay-To-DayHandSacramento Kings
De'Andre HunterDay-To-DayEyeSacramento Kings
Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

PointsDeMar DeRozan27Sacramento Kings
AssistsDennis Schroder10Sacramento Kings
ReboundsMaxime Raynaud14Sacramento Kings
PointsAlperen Sengun28Houston Rockets
AssistsKevin Durant8Houston Rockets
ReboundsKevin Durant10Houston Rockets

Recent form

Sacramento Kings

Last 10: 1-9Streak L5108.7 scored · 118.8 allowed per game0-4 at home

L93-98vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 21
L133-134at Portland Trail BlazersDec 19
L103-117at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 15
L105-136vs Denver NuggetsDec 12
L105-116at Indiana PacersDec 9
W127-111at Miami HeatDec 7
L95-121at Houston RocketsDec 4
L107-115vs Memphis GrizzliesDec 1
L119-128at Utah JazzNov 29
L100-112vs Phoenix SunsNov 27

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak W1118.8 scored · 112.4 allowed per game3-4 away

W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6
W121-95vs Sacramento KingsDec 4
L125-133at Utah JazzDec 2
W129-101at Utah JazzNov 30
W104-100at Golden State WarriorsNov 27

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25
LA Lakers	-	29	W3	.646	53
Phoenix	8	37	W1	.549	45
LA Clippers	11	40	W1	.512	42
Golden State	16	45	L3	.451	37
Sacramento	31	60	L1	.268	22

Box score

Stat	Houston Rockets	Sacramento Kings
Field goals	45-94	44-95
Field goal %	48	46
Three-pointers	16-38	12-32
Three-point %	42	38
Free throws	18-24	25-36
Free throw %	75	69
Rebounds	47	55
Offensive rebounds	13	19
Defensive rebounds	34	36
Assists	31	29
Steals	9	8
Blocks	2	5
Turnovers	14	11
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	18	18
Fast-break points	9	12
Points in the paint	50	42
Fouls	20	21
Largest lead	14	10
Lead changes	12	12
Time in front	73	21

How the scoring went

4th Quarter94-84Nique Clifford makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter97-84Reed Sheppard makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
4th Quarter97-85Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-86Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter100-86Jabari Smith Jr. makes 29-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter100-88Maxime Raynaud makes layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter100-90Keegan Murray makes 14-foot driving floating jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter100-93Keegan Murray makes 26-foot running jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter100-95Keegan Murray makes 16-foot jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter100-98Dennis Schroder makes 25-foot three pointer
4th Quarter102-98Alperen Sengun makes driving layup
4th Quarter103-98Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-101Keegan Murray makes 28-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter105-101Amen Thompson makes 2-foot dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
4th Quarter105-103DeMar DeRozan makes 9-foot two point shot
4th Quarter107-103Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot driving dunk (Kevin Durant assists)
4th Quarter108-103Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter108-105Maxime Raynaud makes 7-foot floating jump shot (DeMar DeRozan assists)
4th Quarter108-107Russell Westbrook makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter110-107Kevin Durant makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter111-107Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-107Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-109DeMar DeRozan makes 4-foot running dunk
4th Quarter112-112Russell Westbrook makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
OT112-114Dennis Schroder makes 4-foot two point shot
OT113-114Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
OT113-115DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
OT113-116DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
OT115-116Amen Thompson makes 7-foot driving dunk
OT117-116Kevin Durant makes running layup (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
OT117-117DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
OT117-118DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
OT117-120Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
OT120-120Jabari Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
OT120-121Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
OT120-122Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
OT122-122Jabari Smith Jr. makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
OT123-122Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
OT124-122Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
OT124-125Dennis Schroder makes 26-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)