Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks Prediction, NBA Odds
The New York Knicks (35-21, third in the East) return to Madison Square Garden to host the Houston Rockets (34-20, third in the West) in a marquee interconference clash tonight at 8:30 PM ET) It’s the first of two meetings this season between teams with legitimate playoff aspirations.
New York is 21-8 at home and looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Detroit. Houston, meanwhile, has won five straight road games and opened the post-All-Star stretch with a gritty victory in Charlotte.
Rockets vs. Knicks NBA Betting Odds
On the NBA odds, the Knicks come into this one as 2.5-point favourites and hold a 29-26-1 spread record this season (19-10 ATS at home) while being an even 28-28 to the Over/Under, which is set tonight at 214.5. The Rockets, meanwhile, are just 23-31 ATS, but 15-14 ATS on the road and 22-32 to the Over/Under.
The Knicks boast the league’s third-ranked offence, while Houston counters with the fifth-ranked defence. New York is 7-3 over its last 10, averaging nearly 120 points per game, but the Rockets allow just 104.8 points per contest over their past 10.
Houston limits three-point attempts (fifth-fewest allowed) and ranks seventh in three-point defence (34.9%), a key factor against a Knicks team that is ninth in attempts and third in percentage (37.6%).
Houston Rockets
Houston continues to win with balance and discipline. The Rockets are 14-5 when committing fewer turnovers than their opponent, though ball security remains an issue overall (27th in turnover rate). They’re coming off a 105-101 win over Charlotte in which Kevin Durant poured in 35 points, while Alperen Sengun added 13 points and key late buckets.
Sengun (20.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 6.3 APG) remains the hub offensively, and Houston ranks fifth in paint scoring percentage and second in mid-range frequency.
New York Knicks
New York will be eager to respond after being swept in its season series with Detroit, including Thursday’s 126-111 loss at MSG. Jalen Brunson scored 30 in defeat, but the Knicks shot just 23 percent from three-point range. Expect a sharper effort on both ends.
The Knicks are seventh in the NBA in scoring defence (112.1 PPG allowed) and hold opponents to 46.0 percent shooting. They also rank seventh in offensive rebounding and fourth in defensive rebounding, and are elite at limiting second-chance points, which could be a crucial edge against a Houston team that thrives on the offensive glass but ranks just 26th in preventing second-chance opportunities.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Rockets vs. Knicks?
This sets up as a grind. Houston’s disciplined half-court defence and ability to limit threes directly attack New York’s biggest strength. The lengthy, rangy Amen Thompson, who excels in on-ball defence, gives the Rockets a terrific option to contain the smaller Brunson.
Still, it’s difficult to see the Knicks dropping consecutive home games, particularly after a flat showing. Expect the Knicks to emphasize interior defence and rebounding, forcing Houston into contested mid-range looks.
I lean towards New York getting the win in a tight contest, but the stronger angle is the total. Both teams defend well, neither forces many turnovers, and the pace should be methodical. I expect a lower-scoring 105-103 final score in the Knicks’ favour.
HOU
NY