The Rockets sent second-year center Joey Dorsey to their NBA Development League affiliate and waived forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

Neither move would seem to make an immediate impact. Dorsey had not played this season, and Mensah-Bonsu received only a handful of minutes that were not finishing up routs. But the moves were made for very different reasons.

The decision on Dorsey was not a surprise. With the Rockets taking control of their D-League affiliate, they have the Rio Grande Vipers running their offense and defense, even making their calls. Dorsey was sent to McAllen in time for training camp and will be expected to earn considerable playing time with a chance to improve.

Waiving Mensah-Bonsu was extremely surprising but also could be tied to their control of the D-League team.

The Rockets, well over the luxury tax, were at least partially motivated by the pursuit of tax savings, especially since Mensah-Bonsu was not playing. They also wanted to the roster spot so that if they find someone ready to break through with the Vipers, or they need someone to fill in for an injury, they would have a place to put him.

Still, the player expected to be left behind when the Rockets took the road is still very much in their plans. The one who took the flight to Sacramento needlessly was not.

KINGS 109, ROCKETS 100: For the third consecutive game, the Rockets started without the intensity they needed defensively, this time falling behind by as many as 14 points in Sacramento. They seemed to be growing weary of the pattern. Though the Rockets came back and took a third-quarter lead, when they faded late and lost to the Kings, they blamed their first half when they allowed 63 points and were outrebounded 32-13.