Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
Neither the New York Knicks nor the Houston Rockets can afford to slip a game in the NBA standings at the moment, yet one of them will tonight.
Advertisement
My Knicks vs. Rockets predictions and these NBA picks look at Houston’s most inconsistent piece as reason enough to trust New York on Tuesday, March 31.
Knicks vs Rockets predictionKnicks vs Rockets best bet: Alperen Sengun Under 8.5 Rebounds (+102)
The New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets have one thing in common: rebounding. The two lead the NBA in rebounding rate in March, both at 54.8%.
This has been a season-long emphasis for both, though more the Rockets. Up until March, Houston led the NBA in rebounding by snagging 54.5% of available boards, while New York was No. 5 at 51.7%.
Going against an equally-quality team on the glass, one led by Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, should expose Alperen Sengun for his inconsistencies. The Turkish big man has an All-NBA career in front of him, but in his fifth season, he still too often puts forth a dud.
Advertisement
Rebounding is the one area Sengun should contribute no matter anything else, no matter the opposing defensive game plan, no matter if his shot has abandoned him for a night.
Yet he has fallen short of this modest prop in two of his last three games and in seven of 13 games in March despite the Rockets’ overall surge on the glass.
The Knicks’ frontcourt has too many dedicated rebounders. Expect Sengun’s inconsistency to rear its head tonight.
Knicks vs Rockets same-game parlay
Sengun’s struggles should be Karl-Anthony Towns’ and Mitchell Robinson’s gains.
The pair of 7-footers make New York a unique matchup nightmare for everyone else in the league, their games different enough to allow some overlap in their minutes while their mere existences provide the Knicks a 7-footer on the court at pretty much all minutes.
Advertisement
There will be nowhere for Sengun to hide.
Knicks vs Rockets SGP
Alperen Sengun Under 8.5 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 10.5 rebounds
Mitchell Robinson Over 7.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: New York’s Defensive Rebounding
A not insignificant number of basketball coaches liken rebounds to forced turnovers; they end an opponent’s possession.
Towns and Robinson crashing the boards tonight should serve to undercut Houston’s offense. The Rockets are No. 1 in the NBA in offensive rebounding rate. Severing some of those second chances will diminish Houston’s effectiveness.
Knicks vs Rockets SGP
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 10.5 rebounds
Mitchell Robinson Over 7.5 rebounds
Knicks vs Rockets odds
Spread: New York +1 | Houston -1
Moneyline: New York -110 | Houston -110
Over/Under: Over 217.5 | Under 217.5
Knicks vs Rockets betting trend to know
Houston is 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Rockets.
Advertisement
How to watch Knicks vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Knicks vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.