Rockets in flight at Sacramento

Houston has won three in a row and notched a 90-86 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the opener of the trek on Friday at the Pepsi Center. Shane Battier posted 25 points and seven rebounds for the Rockets, who have won eight of their last nine games.

Rafer Alston and Luther Head both scored 15 points for the Rockets, while star Tracy McGrady posted 12 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Houston currently sits 5 1/2 games off the lead in the Southwest Division and is 11-10 as the visitor this season.

The Rockets will close out the trip on Tuesday against the cross-town rival Dallas Mavericks.

Meanwhile, the Kings have lost four straight, including Friday’s 95-87 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at The Rose Garden.

Kevin Martin scored 17 points and grabbed seven boards for Sacramento, which is last in the Pacific standings. Ron Artest scored 16 points and Corliss Williamson netted 14 points for the Kings.

Mike Bibby added 13 points and John Salmons contributed 12 in the loss.

Sacramento has dropped three in a row at ARCO Arena and is 10-10 at home this season.

The Kings have won two straight and nine of the last 13 meetings with Houston, which has lost 12 of its last 14 trips to Sacramento.

Saturday’s game is the first meeting of the season between both squads.