Legendary color analyst, Jerry Reynolds, will call his final game as the full-time partner next to Grant Napear. After 20-years on the job and 33 with the Kings organization, Reynolds, 74, will take a step back and work part-time on both radio and pre and post game shows moving forward. Former Kings shooting guard Doug Christie will step into Reynolds' role next season alongside Napear.
Houston will open the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference. They've had an incredible regular season that includes win streaks of 17, 14 and 11 games. They are a juggernaut, but the true measure of their success will be judged in the NBA's second season beginning later this week.
BETTING LINE
Rockets by 3.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Bogdan Bogdanovic vs. James Harden -- Bogdanovic continues to develop as his rookie season comes to a close. He's a crafty guard with a penchant for hitting the big shot. He'll face the likely league MVP in Harden, who has put together an incredible season. Bogdanovic will have his hands full on the defensive end, but he need make Harden guard him on the other side of the court.
WHERE THEY STAND
Sports
Kings: 26-55, fourth in the Pacific
Rockets: 65-16 first in the Southwest
INJURY REPORT
Kings: SG/SF Iman Shumpert (plantar fasciitis) out, SF Garrett Temple (left ankle) out, PF Skal Labissiere (left ankle) out, PG Frank Mason (plantar fascia tear left heel) out, PF Harry Giles (bilateral knee rehab) out for the season.
Rockets: PF Ryan Anderson (ankle) doubtful, SF Luc Mbah a Moute (shoulder) out.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
Show Growth -- In an oddity to the NBA schedule, the Kings started the 2017-18 campaign against the Rockets, played them for a second time the game before the All-Star break and now finish the season against them. Houston is a tough measuring stick, but the Kings need to come out and show the Rockets they've improved over the 82 game schedule.
Fight for Your NBA Life -- Jack Cooley and JaKarr Sampson are playing on two-way contracts. Nigel Hayes and Bruno Caboclo are trying to hold onto their place in the league. The quartet will get a chance to show all 30 teams what they bring to the table.
Take a Break Tomorrow -- The young Kings have given teams fits down the stretch. They play hard and they've come up clutch in crunch time. Sacramento needs to leave it all on the court and head into the summer the right way.
SERIES HISTORY
The Rockets hold a 2-0 advantage in the season series and have won seven straight over the Kings. Houston hold a 125-88 advantage over the Kings all-time, and a 84-42 lead during the Sacramento-era.
