Kings Defeat Rockets 111-98 in NBA Showdown
Sunday, January 11, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Golden 1 Center
Sacramento Kings 111, Houston Rockets 98, 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 111-98 at Golden 1 Center on January 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In a notable NBA matchup, the Sacramento Kings emerged victorious against the Houston Rockets with a final score of 111-98 at the Golden 1 Center. This win marked a significant moment for the Kings, who have struggled in recent weeks, while the Rockets, despite their strong season record, faced a setback in this contest.
The Kings, with a home record of 9-30, have been on a downward spiral, entering this game with a dismal streak of seven consecutive losses. In their last ten games, they managed only two wins, averaging 106.3 points scored while allowing 122.4 points per game. Their recent performances included a 103-137 loss to the Golden State Warriors just two days prior and a narrow 98-100 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks at home on January 7.
Conversely, the Rockets held a much more favorable away record of 22-14, although they were also experiencing a two-game losing streak leading into this matchup. Over their last ten games, they recorded five wins and five losses, averaging 112.5 points scored and 108.5 points allowed. Their recent games included a 105-111 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on January 10 and a close 102-103 defeat to the same team just two days earlier.
Historically, the Kings have had the upper hand in this series, leading 2-1 against the Rockets this season. Their last encounter on December 22, 2025, saw the Kings narrowly win 125-124. Sacramento has shown resilience in their previous meetings, winning four out of the last five matchups against Houston.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. 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 notable absences, with Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle) all listed as day-to-day.
The betting market reflected the expectations for this game, with DraftKings setting the spread at 14.5 points in favor of the Rockets. The total points line was set at 223.5, indicating a competitive matchup. The moneyline odds showed the Kings at +525 and the Rockets at -750, reflecting the disparity in their current season performances.
As the game unfolded, the Kings demonstrated their ability to capitalize on their home advantage. Key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included a 3-foot layup by Precious Achiuwa, followed by a two-point shot from Maxime Raynaud. The Rockets attempted to rally, with Kevin Durant hitting a 12-foot pullup jumper, but Sacramento maintained control. Russell Westbrook contributed significantly with a 22-foot three-point jumper, extending the Kings' lead.
The Kings' defense proved effective, limiting the Rockets' scoring opportunities and ultimately securing the win with a home win probability of 0.999 by the game's conclusion. This victory not only provided a much-needed boost for the Kings but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Rockets as they look to rebound in their upcoming matches.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -14.5 | 223.5 o -110 / u -110 | Houston Rockets -750 · Sacramento Kings +525 |
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 DeRozan22Sacramento Kings
- AssistsRussell Westbrook10Sacramento Kings
- ReboundsDylan Cardwell11Sacramento Kings
- PointsAmen Thompson31Houston Rockets
- AssistsAmen Thompson6Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAmen Thompson13Houston Rockets
Recent form
Sacramento Kings
Last 10: 2-8Streak L7106.3 scored · 122.4 allowed per game2-4 at home
- L103-137at Golden State WarriorsJan 10
- L98-100vs Dallas MavericksJan 7
- L98-115vs Milwaukee BucksJan 5
- L102-129at Phoenix SunsJan 3
- L106-120vs Boston CelticsJan 2
- L90-131at LA ClippersDec 31
- L101-125at Los Angeles LakersDec 29
- W113-107vs Dallas MavericksDec 27
- L127-136vs Detroit PistonsDec 24
- W125-124vs Houston RocketsDec 22
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 5-5Streak L2112.5 scored · 108.5 allowed per game2-5 away
- L105-111at Portland Trail BlazersJan 10
- L102-103at Portland Trail BlazersJan 8
- W100-97vs Phoenix SunsJan 6
- L104-110at Dallas MavericksJan 4
- W120-96at Brooklyn NetsJan 1
- W126-119vs Indiana PacersDec 30
- W117-100vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 28
- W119-96at Los Angeles LakersDec 26
- L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
- L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
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 | 36-84 | 44-91 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 7-30 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 35 |
| Free throws | 19-29 | 15-20 |
| Free throw % | 66 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 27 |
| Assists | 23 | 25 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 3 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 50 |
| Fouls | 16 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 24 | 72 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-74Precious Achiuwa makes 7-foot step back jumpshot (Dylan Cardwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-74Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-74Amen Thompson makes 3-foot running dunk
- 3rd Quarter73-74Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter73-75Dylan Cardwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-75Reed Sheppard makes running layup (Aaron Holiday assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-75Reed Sheppard makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter76-77DeMar DeRozan makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Malik Monk assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-78DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter76-81Russell Westbrook makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter77-81Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-82Zach LaVine makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-83Zach LaVine makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-83Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-83Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-85Nique Clifford makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter81-85Alperen Sengun makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-85Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter82-87Dylan Cardwell makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter83-87Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-87Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-90Zach LaVine makes 25-foot three point jumper (Russell Westbrook assists)
- 4th Quarter85-90Steven Adams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-92Russell Westbrook makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter86-92Dorian Finney-Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-92Dorian Finney-Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-92Kevin Durant makes driving layup (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter90-92Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter90-94Maxime Raynaud makes 7-foot floating jump shot (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter92-94Alperen Sengun makes driving layup (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter92-97Malik Monk makes 23-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter92-100Malik Monk makes 23-foot three point jumper (Russell Westbrook assists)
- 4th Quarter92-102Precious Achiuwa makes 3-foot layup (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter92-104Maxime Raynaud makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter94-104Kevin Durant makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter94-107Russell Westbrook makes 22-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter95-107Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-109Maxime Raynaud makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Precious Achiuwa assists)
- 4th Quarter95-111Maxime Raynaud makes 5-foot two point shot (Russell Westbrook assists)
- 4th Quarter98-111Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento Kings, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- Golden 1 CenterSacramento, CA
- Attendance15268
- OfficialsJohn Goble, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Dannica Baroody
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