The Houston Rockets (34-20) and New York Knicks (35-21) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Knicks are 3.5-point favorites over the Rockets on the spread (Knicks -3.5), with the over/under set at 217.5 total points. New York is a -160 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while Houston is +135 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rockets vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, February 21.
Rockets vs Knicks Prediction
- Rockets vs Knicks pick: Kevin Durant Over 23.5 Points (-120)
My Rockets vs Knicks best bet is on Kevin Durant to score over 23.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Rockets vs Knicks Odds
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -115 | 217.5 -110o / -110u | +135 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -105 | 217.5 -110o / -110u | -160 |
Rockets vs Knicks NBA Preview
The sky is falling for many Knicks fans across America following yet another butt-whooping at the hands of the Pistons.
Although the point differential wasn't as significant as in their previous two, I'd argue this was the worst loss of the three.
The Knicks were healthy, and the Pistons walked into Madison Square Garden with a third-string center and did what every contender dreams of during the regular season — silenced New York City.
Cade Cunningham had his best game of the season, and one of his career's finest, accumulating 42 points and 13 assists, looking every bit of unstoppable as the game progressed.
The Knicks have otherwise played a lot better lately, winning 10-of-12 before the loss, but they were outscored by 84 across three games against the Pistons this season, despite not seeing starting center, Most Improved Player candidate and first-time All-Star Jalen Duren for a single minute.
The Rockets, who will play New York for the first time, got their lick back against the Hornets, avenging a 109-99 loss in Houston to defeat Charlotte 105-101 on Thursday.
Charlotte, still short-handed due to suspensions, led by double digits in the first half and made a second-half flurry to cut a Rockets lead before being closed out by Kevin Durant and company.
Durant led the way with 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting. One might say, he was burning hot from the field.
Deuce McBride (core muscle) may be out until the playoffs, and is the only Knick on the injury report.
For Houston, Steven Adams (shoulder) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are likely out for the season.
Rockets vs Knicks Predictions, Betting Analysis
My best bet for tonight's game is Kevin Durant over 23.5 points.
Durant is the only Rocket in sync right now — for obvious reasons.
OG Anunoby played last game through a toe injury and isn't himself yet.
He didn't get a single rebound last game and was getting bumped around by Detroit, namely Cade Cunningham.
Durant is overly relied on to create for Houston's "meh" offense, and the Knicks don't have anyone who can stop him.
Pick: Kevin Durant Over 23.5 Points (-120)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this game.
Moneyline
I will also be staying away from the moneyline.
Over/Under
My Knicks vs. Rockets betting prediction is on Kevin Durant over 23.5 points.
Knicks vs Rockets Betting Trends
