THE OPPONENT

THE KEY BATTLE

NUMERIC PREDICTION

Raw points differential (plus HCA) calls a 7.6-point Houston victory. SRS calls a 7.7-point Houston victory. SSRS calls a 999,992.4-point Kings victory.

INTERESTING SIDESHOW

I'm eager to see how Houston will come out of the gates against the Kings. No doubt the loss in Sacramento spoiled an otherwise successful road trip. Perhaps the Rockets got their aggression out against the Lakers, but so recent a disappointing loss (and the Rockets were disappointed) should provide a nice adrenaline boost. The Kings have met almost every adrenaline challenge to date, though. The team's spirit has been commendable.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

DETAILS

This game will also tip off at 5:30 PM Pacific. Game thread then, followed by GT2 at 6:30 and the post-game thread at 8:15.