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Rockets host Kings before much-needed break

Feb 11, 2009 - 11:34 AM Sacramento (11-42) at Houston (31-21) 8:30 p.m. EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings both need a bit of a break. Thankfully, after Wednesday night's meeting at the Toyota Center, they'll each get one.

The Western Conference foes square off in their last game before the All-Star break on Wednesday as the Rockets kick off a six-game homestand.

Both clubs have endured difficult seasons, though for different reasons. For Houston, its proposed star trio of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and Ron Artest hasn't panned out as expected due to nagging injuries to McGrady and Artest, particularly the latter. The once-perennial All-Star, who will not be a part of the mid-season festivities for the second consecutive campaign.

Despite that, a third straight playoff appearance seems to be in the cards. The Rockets have split their last four games, however, including a 124-112 loss on Monday to a depleted Milwaukee Bucks squad that is missing three of its top players.

For the Kings, their difficulties have been more straightforward - simply, they're currently on track to have the worst record in the NBA. At 11-42, they've already clinched their third consecutive losing season. They fired their head coach in December, they've suffered through a pair of eight-game losing streaks and are currently working on a four-game skid. The All-Star break couldn't come soon enough.

Sacramento will get a week off before returning to the court on February 18 to host the Atlanta Hawks.