Houston Rockets 'Completely Different Team' vs. Sacramento Kings: Three Things to Watch

Although it has been a rocky beginning, the Rockets are ready to test their improvements against the Kings, who swept them 4-0 during the 2022-23 season.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (1-3) received their first win of the 2023-24 season against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night, marking the second consecutive year they began the year 0-3.

The Rockets will try to avoid a replica of their 1-9 start from the 2022-23 season starting Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings (2-2) inside the Toyota Center. Although it has been a rocky start, the Rockets are ready to test their improvements against the Kings, who swept them 4-0 last season.

"It will be a good test for us," coach Ime Udoka said. "A lot of high-level players who had success over the last few years. Five games into the season, we are trying to learn about ourselves and build the right habits. I want to see growth, regardless of who we play."

A handful of returning players are eager to begin their two-game mini-series against the Kings. The Rockets feel better equipped to compete against Sacramento due to the defensive improvements made under Udoka.

Outside of a two-point loss on Feb. 8, the Kings obliterated the Rockets last season. Houston allowed Sacramento to score an average of 129.2 points while losing by an average margin of 21.6 points. They also gave up 130 points or more in each of the four games.

"I’m excited about the game, see what we can build off from the last game, try to get a streak going," Jae'Sean Tate said. "We are a completely different team than it was last year, and I think we have a pretty good defensive team."

Kings forward Domantas Sabonis handles the ball against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

1. How will the Kings look without De'Aaron Fox: The last time the Kings played a game in Houston, they departed with a 130-128 victory. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings to a win with 31 points, which included nailing three consecutive game-winning free throws.

Fox averaged 23.8 points while helping the Kings sweep the Rockets last season. But the Rockets will not have to worry about Fox to open their two-game home series. In the Kings' overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Fox sustained an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined in Houston.

Udoka acknowledged that some teams experience a "natural letdown" when its best player is out. But Udoka doesn't expect Sacramento's production to take a hit.

"They’re such an explosive team that they’re good without him [Fox],” Udoka said. "You bring in a guy like Malik Monk, who is another athletic, fast scorer. We don’t take it any differently or lightly because he’s out. They are still playing the same way."

2. Alperen Şengün vs. Domantas Sabonis: With Fox out, the Kings will play more through their second All-Star, Domantas Sabonis. In Wednesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Sabonis finished with a usage rating of 26.4 percent en route to recording 23 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Sabonis' game is similar to Alperen Şengün's, which will create an intriguing big-man match in the middle. Udoka said Sabonis is a player opponents have to play physically while acknowledging that the second-generational big man will be a "good test" for Şengün. 

"He is another tough-nosed player," Udoka said. "Although Fox is their pace and main handler, he does a lot of the initiating himself...He is doing a lot of similar things as Alpi. The post-up is the main thing. You have to take away his strengths. He is a big piece of what they do." 

3. Will Thompson's injury lead to minutes for Whitmore? Amen Thompson will miss some time following the Grade 2 ankle sprain he sustained against the Hornets. Aaron Holiday will fill in for Thompson as the team's backup point guard, but Udoka said they will use a "committee" to help fill Thompson's vacancy. 

Outside of playing meaningless minutes against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 25, Cam Whitmore has received three consecutive DNPs. But given the Kings' physicality, Udoka could use Whitmore as a player who can help the Rockets match Sacramento's style of play.