Preview: Struggling Kings Face Rockets in Houston HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Rockets, firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture, will host the league-worst Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. The matchup pits one of the NBA’s hottest teams against its coldest. The Rockets (34-21) have won seven of their last 10 games, while the Kings (12-46) are mired in a 12-game losing streak. Sacramento’s last victory came on Jan. 25. Houston guard Amen Thompson has been a catalyst during the team’s strong stretch, averaging a near triple-double of 13.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists over his last 10 contests. He posted a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in a narrow 108-106 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday. The Kings, despite their record, have played the Rockets tough this season. Sacramento won both meetings in California, 125-124 on Dec. 21 and 111-98 on Jan. 11. However, Houston dominated the lone game in Texas, a 121-95 victory on Dec. 3. Sacramento’s bright spot has been rookie center Maxime Raynaud, who is coming off a 16-point, 12-rebound performance in a 139-122 loss at San Antonio. Over his last five games, Raynaud is averaging 15.0 points and 11.4 rebounds. The Rockets will look to veterans Kevin Durant, who scored 30 points against the Knicks, and Tari Eason to set the tone as they begin a critical three-game homestand before embarking on a five-game road trip. For the Kings, the game opens a challenging two-game Texas road swing before returning home. Veteran guard DeMar DeRozan and forward Keegan Murray, who each scored 20 points in the loss to the Spurs, will need strong performances to help Sacramento snap its prolonged skid. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday.