Kings try to avoid third straight loss

The Kings have not lost three in a row since January 24-28, 2003.

Earlier this season, the Kings crushed the Rockets, 103-74, on November 28 at ARCO Arena.

The Kings, who are 1-2 on the road swing, were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 108-99, on Sunday at American Airlines Center.

Peja Stojakovic led all players with 24 points and added 10 boards for Sacramento, which has dropped three of four since a five-game winning streak. Mike Bibby chipped in 23 points and Brad Miller scored 11 with a game-high 17 rebounds.

Miller is averaging 13.3 rebounds over the last three games.

The Kings are 9-9 on the road this season.

On Monday, the Rockets were denied their fourth straight win when they were on the wrong end of a 95-91 decision against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena.

Maurice Taylor paced Houston with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. Cuttino Mobley had 14 points and Yao Ming chipped in 12 for the Rockets. Yao was coming off a career-high, 37-point performance against Orlando on Sunday.

The Rockets, who have won two straight and five of their last six at home, are 14-5 as the host this season.

Sacramento has won two straight over the Rockets and five of its last eight at Houston.