HOUSTON – Kings forward Jason Thompson practiced Sunday evening when the team arrived in Houston and is expected to start tonight against the Houston Rockets.
Thompson sprained his left ankle at the end of Thursday's loss to Utah and sat out Saturday's loss at Golden State.
"He'll be ready (today)," said Kings coach Keith Smart. "It was tender (Saturday). Trying to get him in that game where it was sore and not strong enough if he rolls it again? Maybe we miss him for three or four games."
Thompson was the only King to have played in every game this season until Saturday.
"We kind of monitored what he was doing, but overall he did a good job in the drill work," Smart said. "And I had him do some 4-on-4 work. It was good for him to get on the floor."
Thompson said he's sprained his left ankle more than once this season.
"It's still not 100 percent," Thompson said. "I'll get some treatment (this morning) but it feels better than it felt Saturday."
Thompson has been playing his best basketball of the season. He had five consecutive double doubles, averaging 17.6 points and 13.6 rebounds in that span, before sitting out.
Ray travels – Special assistant Clifford Ray joined the Kings on the Houston trip.
Ray works primarily with the post players at home, but will make occasional trips the rest of the season.
Ray was able to spend a lot time with the team on the recent nine-game homestand.
"I want him to build a relationship with these guys," Smart said. "It worked out perfectly for us to be in town so long, and now he can get on the phone and communicate with these guys if he doesn't travel with us."
More home cooking – After tonight's game, the Kings will play six of their next eight games at home.
The road games during the stretch are at the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
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