In Thursday’s loss to Detroit, every Knicks (35*-21) drive into the paint looked like a LaMelo Ball driver’s ed video. Tonight, they hope for better results when they host the Houston Rockets (34-20) at the Mecca.
This nationally televised tilt is a match-up of two third-place teams. The Knicks have gone 7-3 in their last ten games, while the Rockets have gone 6-4. When they last squared off, wayyy back on February 3, 2025, the Knicks beat Ho-Town 124-118. In that one, Jalen Brunson led New York with 42 points, while Amen Thompson paced Houston with 25 points.
The Rockets hold a defensive rating of 112.8, fifth in the league. Their offensive rating is 118, seventh overall. They average 114.6 points per game, which is just on the cusp of the league’s third tier. Ime Udoka’s club leads the league in rebounds at 48.6 per game and offensive rebounds at 15.8, but ranks 28th in pace and assists, and 29th in three-point attempts. (FWIW, Detroit attempted just 30 from downtown on Thursday, but made 40% of them—because defense.)
All-Star internet troll Kevin Durant averages 25.8 points per game and shoots 40% from three in his umpteenth season. Alperen Şengün averages 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds. Thompson, whose twin Ausar helped to bruise up the Knicks on Thursday, averages 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Jabari Smith, Jr. averages 15.2 points and shoots 36% from three, and sophomore Reed Sheppard averages 12.7 points and makes 39% from three.
Their starting five is expected to feature Thompson, Tari Eason (12.2 PPG), Smith, Şengün, and Durant. Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet are sidelined for the season with surgeries. Aside from Miles McBride, the Knicks have a clean injury report.
Prediction
ESPN gives New York a 60% chance to win. Okie dokie. Unfortunately, the Knicks have as many personalities as KD has burner accounts—you never know which version of the team to expect, given their fluctuations of energy, effort, and discipline from night to night. Sure, a win against a top team might mitigate some of the malaise we feel after watching the Pistons (playing without key players) completely outmatch New York again. But another loss feels inevitable, no? We just saw one tall, physically imposing team manhandle the Knicks. Now here comes another. From what and where can we draw optimism?
Best case scenario, New York wins with authority, regains our confidence, and has a smooth flight to Chicago for tomorrow’s tilt with the Bulls. Worst case scenario? Imagine that and pull it back a few notches—that’s our prediction. Knicks lose by less than ten.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: ABC
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but the commish is a jerk.