The NBA schedule after the All-Star break featured an exciting cross-conference matchup as the Houston Rockets visited the New York Knicks on February 21, 2026 at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Both teams entered the game with strong overall records and top-four positions in their respective conferences, but their recent momentum and reliability told a different story.
New York came into the contest with strong home form and one of the best records at Madison Square Garden this season. The Knicks have been consistent on both ends of the floor, combining efficient scoring with solid defense and rebounding. Houston, despite a strong season overall, has shown signs of struggle recently. Their offense has slowed down compared to earlier months, and their performance against the spread has been disappointing.
With playoff positioning becoming more important, this game carried significant value. The Knicks were slight favorites due to home advantage, recent form, and the Rockets’ inconsistent offensive production. Experts largely trusted New York to control the game, while the total points market suggested a competitive, moderately high-scoring contest.
Match Details
| Match | Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks |
|---|---|
| Date | February 21, 2026 |
| Time | 8:30 PM ET (7:00 AM IST, Feb 22) |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| TV & Streaming | ABC, Local Networks, NBA League Pass |
Updated Standings
| Team | Record | Conference Position |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 36–21 | 4th (East) |
| Houston Rockets | 34–21 | 4th (West) |
The Knicks strengthened their position in the Eastern Conference with a home win, while Houston remained in the top four in the West but suffered another setback on the road.
Recent Form & Last Games
New York has been reliable lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games and maintaining one of the strongest home records in the league (22-8). Even after a recent loss before this matchup, the Knicks bounced back quickly and showed strong defensive control at home.
Houston’s overall record remains impressive, but recent trends are concerning. The Rockets are struggling against expectations, going 3-10 against the spread over the past month. Their offensive rating has dropped significantly compared to earlier in the season, which has affected their ability to close games.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Season Series | Knicks lead 1–0 |
| Last 5 Meetings | Knicks lead 3–2 |
| Latest Result | Knicks won (Feb 21, 2026) |
New York has had the edge in recent meetings, especially at home, where their defensive discipline and rebounding strength have made the difference.
Team Stats Comparison (Season)
| Category | Knicks | Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 117.9 PPG | 114.5 PPG |
| Points Allowed | 112.1 PPG | 109.5 PPG |
| Rebounds | 46.2 | 48.5 |
| Assists | 27.1 | 24.6 |
| Blocks | 4.1 | 5.8 |
| Steals | 8.0 | 8.9 |
The Rockets dominate the glass and interior defense, while the Knicks have the edge in offensive balance and playmaking.
Key Players to Watch
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson: 27.1 PPG, 6.1 APG – team leader and clutch scorer
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 19.8 PPG, 11.9 RPG – consistent double-double threat
- Mikal Bridges: Two-way impact with scoring and defense
- Josh Hart: Energy player with strong rebounding and assists
Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant: 26.0 PPG, main scoring option
- Alperen Sengun: 20.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 6.3 APG – playmaking center
- Amen Thompson: Defense, transition scoring
- Jabari Smith Jr.: Stretch forward and rebound support
Both teams feature strong frontcourt presence, but New York’s backcourt leadership has been a key difference at home.
Injury Report
New York Knicks
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Miles McBride | Out (ankle/core surgery) |
| OG Anunoby | Available / Minor concern |
Houston Rockets
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Steven Adams | Out for season |
| Fred VanVleet | Out for season |
Houston’s backcourt depth has been impacted significantly by long-term injuries.
Odds & Betting Lines
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Knicks -3.5 |
| Moneyline | Knicks around -160 |
| Over/Under | 217.5 – 219.5 |
Best Picks & Prediction
Main Prediction: New York Knicks to Win
Projected Score: Knicks 118 – Rockets 112
Best Bets
- Knicks -3.5 (home advantage and recent form)
- Over 217.5 (both teams combine for high scoring averages)
Player Props to Watch
- Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 10.5 rebounds
- Kevin Durant Under 24.5 points (recent scoring inconsistency)
This matchup showed why Madison Square Garden remains one of the toughest venues in the league. The Knicks’ strong home record, balanced offense, and reliable leadership from Jalen Brunson helped them control the game. While Houston remains a strong playoff team, their recent offensive struggles and injury concerns have affected consistency.
New York continues to build momentum after the All-Star break and looks well positioned for a strong finish in the Eastern Conference race, while the Rockets will need to regain their offensive rhythm to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff battle.
