| MATCHUP | Houston Rockets | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 34-20 | 35-21 |
| Spread | +3.5 -105 | -3.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +136 | -162 |
| Total | Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110) |
| Where | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ABC | |
The Houston Rockets and NY Knicks meet Saturday in NBA action at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks pick.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets beat the Hornets and lost to the Clippers, and they play the Jazz next. The Rockets have won 3 of their last 4 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 114.6 points on 47.1 percent shooting and allowing 109.6 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 25.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 7.1 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 75.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.6 rebounds per game.
NY Knicks Betting Preview
The NY Knicks beat the 76ers, lost to the Pistons, and they play the Bulls next. The Knicks have won 10 of their last 13 games.
The NY Knicks are averaging 118 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 111.9 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 27 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.8 points and 2.9 assists. OG Anunoby is the third double-digit scorer, and Mikal Bridges is dishing 4.1 assists. The NY Knicks are shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46.3 rebounds per game.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Rockets have lost each of their last six games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Knicks have won each of their last six home games on the first leg of a back-to-back after losing as favorites.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven night games.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in each of their last four home games against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won four of their last five games as road underdogs.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last two games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in 12 of the Rockets’ last 13 games.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Rockets’ last five games as underdogs against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of the Knicks’ last six night games have gone OVER the total points line.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Josh Hart is the only player to have recorded a triple-double off the bench this season.
- OG Anunoby ranks 6th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.7) this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Tari Eason ranks 6th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.9%) this season.
- Clint Capela ranks 6th amongst qualified players for rebounds per 36 minutes (13.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 3rd in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (13.1).
- The Knicks rank 3rd in the league for three-point percentage this season (37.6%).
- The Rockets have suffered the largest comeback loss from a HT lead this season – led by 22 points @ Pelicans on December 18.
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.6).
Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks Injury Report
Miles McBride is out for the Knicks.
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams.
Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Rockets and the points are attractive given the talent level, but they’ve failed to cover 8 of their last 10 games. The Rockets have also seen 13 of their 20 losses come on the road. The Knicks have been great at home, and this is a bounce-back spot after being embarrassed by the Pistons in their last effort. Shoot me an extra point or two, and I’d give the Rockets some attention. This soft number I have to side with the Knicks.