Overall, the Houston Rockets are a gritty, defensive-minded squad with superstar talent (Kevin Durant) and a rising young core. They’re overperforming NBA Bets projections in a tough West, eyeing a deep playoff run if they stay healthy. The Rockets boast elite defense, top-tier rebounding, and a solid offense. In turn, their slow pace emphasizes efficiency over volume. Houston offers strong rebounding margins and solid shooting, though assists are lower (likely due to an iso-heavy approach from the stars).
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are clicking under coach Mike Brown: elite offense, solid defense, star power, and home-court advantage make them a serious threat in the East (championship odds competitive). Health (especially OG Anunoby) will be key down the stretch in a tight conference race. Before the All-Star break, the Knicks rebounded from a mid-season slump to win 8 of their last 11 games. Including a franchise-record 54-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets
Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks NBA Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Rockets at Knicks Betting Odds Analysis
For Houston, Alperen Şengün is active. Despite a minor lower leg contusion in mid-February, Şengün played in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game as an injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Additionally, Kevin Durant is active. Durant missed one game in early February due to a left ankle sprain. Since then, he returned to the lineup.
Meanwhile, in New York, OG Anunoby has missed the last four games due to a toe avulsion (loss of a toenail). He is expected to be evaluated for a return for the Knicks’ next game against Detroit. Also, Karl-Anthony Towns required 16 stitches for a severe eye laceration suffered on February 4. He is considered fully available.
Houston Rockets Team Overview
The Houston Rockets are 33-20 straight up, 23-30 against the spread, and 22-31 over/under the sports betting total. Late on, Houston has covered two out of their last ten games. While the Rockets have gone under the total in four of their previous six matchups. Concurrently, Houston is 4th in the Western Conference playoff standings. Houston is 7.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.
Houston ranks 20th in scoring offense, 13th in field goal percentage, 6th in 3-point field goal percentage, 27th in free throw percentage, and 1st in offensive rebounding. In turn, the Rockets rank 4th in scoring defense, 5th in field goal percentage allowed, 7th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 2nd in defensive rebounding.
New York Knicks Team Overview
The New York Knicks are 35-20 straight up, 29-25-1 against the spread, and 27-28 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, New York has covered seven out of their last nine games. While the Knicks have gone over the total in four of their previous six matchups. Concurrently, New York is 3rd in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. New York is six games behind the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
New York ranks 8th in scoring offense, 12th in field goal percentage, 3rd in 3-point field goal percentage, 12th in free throw percentage, and 4th in offensive rebounding. Meanwhile, the Knicks rank 6th in scoring defense, 7th in field goal percentage allowed, 12th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 5th in defensive rebounding.
Rockets at Knicks Betting Trends
Houston covered its last three games against New York. However, the Knicks covered seven of the previous eight meetings before that. Five of the last eight games between the Knicks and Rockets went under the total. Specifically at New York, Houston got the money in ten of its last 14 games with New York. Four of the last six games between the Rockets and Knicks in New York went over the total.
Rockets at Knicks Free SBG Picks
To conclude, the Knicks’ home dominance, offensive efficiency, and motivation post-break (pushing for a top-2 East seed) give them the edge in a close game.
Rockets at Knicks SBG Best Bet: New York Knicks.