Houston Rockets Game 82 of 2015-16 Season – vs Sacramento Kings

Houston Rockets Game 82 of 2015-16 featured the Kings as Clutch City’s playoff destiny was in their own hands.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 82 of 2015-16 versus the Sacramento Kings.

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Therefore Houston hopes their free agent additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for  October 26th opening night versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 82 – Sacramento Kings

Needing a victory to secure their playoff hopes the Houston Rockets came out with one goal in mind – win.

Preame Analysis:

Heading into the final game of the season the Rockets held their own destiny in hand.

Simply put a win over a severely undermanned Sacramento Kings team will solidify their entry into the post season.

Red Nation is anxiously awaiting the result with some die hards praying for a win which would result in the pleasure of facing the best team in the NBA.  Yes, the same team who won the Championship last season. The same Golden State Warrior squad who’ve headlined copious stories this season for their miraculous run and who’ll be aiming to etch a new regular season win standard this evening.

The full write-up can be viewed via this link.

Post Game Analysis:

Andre Cantalogo provided the post game analysis and player grades citing the obvious fact:

With the Sacramento Kings deciding to rest (?) Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi in the last game of the season, let’s be honest: this game was just a formality. The Houston Rockets were handed their spot in the post season and completely demolished the “Sacramento Kings” from the get-go.

The Kings suited up only 7 players for this game.

Full post game report and grades can be viewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden came to play with his mission clearly in mind – nail down the 8th seed. He accomplished that goal by scoring 38 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

On the opposition’s side Ben McLemore had one of his better efforts scoring 24 points along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

ESPN’s box score can be reviewed via this link.

Rockets Games vs Kings in 2016-17

• November 25th, in Sacramento at Golden 1 Center
• December 14th at home
• January 31st at home
• April 9th, in Sacramento at Golden 1 Center

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Because Vlade Divac continues to make head scratching moves offering pundits copious reasons for teasing. Draft night was no exception as Divac chose to select another big man (Papagiannis) rather than prospect Marquese Chriss who could be among the Associations best in 5 years.

While the Kings need to add guards and wings Divac consequently dangles their existing players at those positions while adding more front court players.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Georgios Papagiannis (13), Malachi Richardson (22) via trade of Marco Belinelli to Hornets, Skal Labissiere (28)

Round 2: Isaiah Cousins (59)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Matt Barnes 2-years, $12M, leaves Memphis
• Anthony Tolliver 2-years, $16M exits Detroit
• Garrett Temple 3-years, $24M exits Wizards
• Arron Afflalo 2-years, $25M exits Knicks

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Rajon Rondo 2-years $30M to Bulls
• Marco Belinelli  (trade)
• Seth Curry leaves for Dallas
• Quincy Acy has agreed to a 2-year minimum deal with Dallas

Waived:

• Caron Butler Exorcised Option
• Duje Dukan

Next: Rockets Game 81 of 2015-16

Next up the Houston Rockets began preparation for what would inevitably be a short run in the post season.