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The Houston Rockets will be better served when veteran guard Fred VanVleet returns from his lengthy injury absence on Saturday against the visiting Sacramento Kings, but there have been signs of improvement lately from the Rockets, even with VanVleet sidelined.

The Rockets improved to 3-1 since the All-Star break with their 118-106 wire-to-wire win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, the second game of a back-to-back and the second game of a three-game homestand that concludes Saturday.

Houston produced strong defensive efforts in the back-to-back games and complimented the effort on that end with exceptional rebounding, producing a combined plus-35 margin on the glass.

But the Rockets are most potent when they can blend an efficient offense with their rebounding and defensive prowess, and fourth-year guard Jalen Green remains at the heart of those offensive hopes, particularly with VanVleet — who has missed the last 11 games — unavailable to provide his steadying influence.

Green has found a rhythm since the All-Star break, averaging 26.5 points and 5.3 assists over the last four games. Critical to his production is his efficiency, with Green shooting 47.6 percent overall from the floor and a robust 45.2 percent from behind the 3-point line while hoisting 10.5 attempts per contest.

Green is shooting a career-best 35.9 percent on 8.3 3-point attempts per game, also a career-high total. With so much of his game predicated on superior athleticism and an innate ability to get to the rim on slithery drives, Green unlocks his potential and the Rockets’ when he poses a consistent threat from the perimeter. The results of late confirm as much.

“It really opens up everything when he’s shooting those shots or hitting them,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It opens up his driving lanes (and) brings the big up and opens up the pocket.

“He’s been very consistent. Even on what folks would say is an off night, he’s still getting in that 20-point scoring range and consistently doing other things as well. He’s been very good lately for sure.”

The revamped Kings remain a work in progress following the jettisoning of guard De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs at the trade deadline. Sacramento posted its second consecutive double-digit win on Wednesday while easing past the Utah Jazz 118-101 as seven Kings scored in double figures.

Establishing a new offensive identity without Fox comes with unique challenges. Domantas Sabonis remains the fulcrum on offense, but with accomplished scorers DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine also in the starting lineup, it will take some time for the Kings to discover how they need to play to maximize their available talent.

LaVine (22.9 points per game), DeRozan (22.0) and Sabonis (19.9) lead Sacramento in scoring, while Sabonis is first in rebounding (14.4) and assists (6.3).

“It’s more about being simple and not working your way into a game,” Kings interim coach Doug Christie said. “We have guys in that lineup who have done a lot in this league and dynamic scorers. We have to keep the game simple playing to our strengths, and one of those is playing through Domas, especially in the halfcourt, and allowing us to get downhill.

“And then once we do that … just read what’s in front of you as opposed to trying to dictate the game. Early on I just want them to read more.”

–Field Level Media