The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets square off in Tuesday’s marquee clash. The Knicks won the previous meeting 108-106 at home on Feb. 21. Karl-Anthony Towns led with 25 points, while Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby had 20 each as New York erased an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Rockets dominated for most of the game behind Kevin Durant’s 30-point night, but couldn’t do much to avoid another late meltdown.
Ahead of this clash, the Knicks are third in the Eastern Conference with a 48-27 record, while the Rockets are sixth in the Western Conference with a 45-29 record.
New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets Game Details
NBC will nationally televise the New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets game. MSG will locally televise the contest in New York. Peacock and NBA League Pass will stream the clash live online. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Knicks vs. Rockets Odds
Moneyline: Knicks -110, Rockets -106
Spread: Knicks -1.5 (-103), Rockets +1.5 (-117)
Total over/under: Knicks o217.5 (-112), Rockets u217.5 (-110)
Knicks vs. Rockets Preview
The Knicks have hit a mini-slump with consecutive losses after winning seven straight. The losses have come against in-form teams like the Hornets and Thunder, raising concerns about New York’s ability to beat teams in playoff contention. All seven of their previous wins came against teams in the bottom half of the league’s standings.
The Knicks have struggled offensively during this losing stretch, scoring 103 points against Charlotte and only 100 against OKC. Turnovers and bench production were among the key factors behind New York’s struggles.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are on a two-game winning streak. Houston capitalized on playing weaker opponents, the Grizzlies and Pelicans, to get back on track following a stretch with two wins in six games. The Rockets’ offense looked as good as ever in those games.
They shot 39.0% from deep, which was a significant uptick compared to their inconsistent stretch for most part since the All-Star break ended. Houston also averaged 31.5 assists on 46.5 field goals made.
Knicks vs. Rockets Betting Tips
Kevin Durant is favored to score over 24.5 points.
Jalen Brunson’s odds are even to score over or under 24.5 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns is favored to grab over 10.5 rebounds.
Knicks vs. Rockets Injury Reports
Knicks
Miles McBride is questionable, while Landry Shamet is out.
Rockets
Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet are the only injury absentees for the Knicks.
Knicks vs. Rockets Starting Lineups
Knicks
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Mikal Bridges, SF – OG Anunoby, PF – Josh Hart, C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Rockets
PG – Reed Sheppard, SG – Amen Thompson, SF – Kevin Durant, PF – Jabari Smith Jr., C – Alperen Sengun
Knicks vs. Rockets Prediction
The Knicks and Rockets matched evenly. New York has a slight edge as a 1.5-point favorite, according to oddsmakers. The Knicks have fewer holes to plug than the Rockets since the All-Star break, and if it goes down to the wire, Jalen Brunson and Co. will have the upper hand.
