Game Details
- Date and Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM CT / 5:30 PM PT).
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
- TV/Streaming: ABC, 880 ESPN New York, 790 AM / S: KLTN.
This interconference matchup is the second meeting of the season, with the Rockets winning the first 124-118 on February 3, 2026. The Knicks, third in the East, aim to rebound from a mixed post-All-Star start against a surging Rockets team third in the West. With both teams boasting strong home records (Knicks 21-8, Rockets 15-13 away), this could be a defensive battle if New York’s injuries linger.
Recent Team Forms
The Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 114.5 PPG while allowing 109.5 PPG for a +5.0 differential. The Knicks are 6-4 over the same span, averaging 117.9 PPG and conceding 112.1 PPG for a +5.8 differential.
Houston Rockets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Notes |
| Feb 20, 2026 | @ CHA | W | 105-101 | Clutch defense; overcame 15 TO; Sengun double-double. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | vs LAC | L | 105-102 | Close loss; poor FT% (68%); Durant 25 PTS. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | @ LAC | W | 120-115 | Efficient shooting (47% FG); strong rebounding. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | @ NYK | W | 124-118 | High-scoring win; overcame rally; VanVleet absent. |
| Feb 1, 2026 | vs OKC | L | 110-119 | Defensive lapses; allowed 119 PTS. |
The Rockets have won three of their last four, with strong interior play but vulnerabilities in free-throw shooting.
New York Knicks Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Notes |
| Feb 20, 2026 | vs LAL | W | 115-110 | Brunson 27 PTS; overcame TO; efficient 47% FG. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | @ BOS | L | 110-122 | Turnover issues; allowed 122 PTS. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | vs IND | W | 137-134 | High-scoring OT thriller; strong rebounding. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | vs HOU | L | 118-124 | Defensive struggles; allowed 124 PTS. |
| Feb 1, 2026 | @ PHI | W | 109-103 | Clutch win; limited PHI to 103. |
The Knicks have alternated wins and losses, with potent offense but inconsistent defense.
Injury Report
Houston Rockets:
- Fred VanVleet: Out for Season (ACL) – Torn ACL; out entire 2025-26 season.
- Steven Adams: Out for Season (Ankle) – Ankle surgery; out for season.
New York Knicks:
- Miles McBride: Out (Ankle) – Ankle injury; sidelined until at least April.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
- Alperen Sengun (Rockets) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): Sengun’s post play (20.5 PPG, 9.2 REB) vs. Towns’ spacing; rebounding battle key.
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) vs. Rockets Guards (e.g., Amen Thompson with VanVleet out): Brunson (27.0 PPG) exploits mismatches; defensive test for Houston.
- Kevin Durant (Knicks) vs. Rockets Wings: Durant (25.8 PPG) faces Houston’s perimeter; scoring duel potential.
- Mikal Bridges (Knicks) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets): Defensive wings; Bridges’ versatility could stifle Smith.
These matchups favor the Knicks’ scoring depth, especially with Houston’s absences.
Series History
The Knicks lead the all-time series, but recent: Rockets won Feb 3, 2025 (124-118), Knicks won Nov 4, 2024 (97-109 for Rockets? Wait, Rockets W109-97).
In the last 10 head-to-heads, split 5-5. This season, series 1-0 Rockets:
- February 3, 2026: Rockets 124-118 (at New York).
Games have been high-scoring (average total: 240 points in recent).
Betting Trends
- Trends: Knicks 31-25 ATS, 20-9 at home. Rockets 23-30 ATS, 15-13 on road. Over in 51.9% of Knicks games. Houston 1-7 ATS last 8; under 5 of last 6. Knicks 27-20 as favorites; Rockets 4-1 as underdogs.
Game Odds
Houston Rockets 213
New York Knicks – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
