Tari Eason wanted to make something clear. While the Houston Rockets forward spent the last month-plus sidelined with a leg injury, he observed people speculate about his health. What bothered him most was those who questioned his motivation.

Malik Monk could return to the lineup when the Kings play host to the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Monk missed Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right groin soreness.

The Sacramento Kings edged out the Houston Rockets with a final score of 132-127 during last night’s thrilling matchup. DeMar DeRozan was the standout performer for the Kings and led the team to a much-needed victory.

The Houston Rockets thrive on havoc. But Thursday’s game may have erred too much in that direction. The Rockets erased a 16-point deficit in the second half but couldn’t finish the job in a 132-127 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

DeRozan scored 26 points in the second half and 16 in the fourth quarter for the Kings (21-20), who improved to 8-2 overall and 5-0 at home under interim coach Doug Christie. Malik Monk scored 26 points.

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson, left, takes control of the ball from Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) AP AP

The Houston Rockets (27-13) wrap up their three-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers (13-27) on Saturday at Moda Center. The Rockets had their five-game win streak snapped in a loss to the Kings on Thursday,