In Thursday\u2019s loss to Detroit, every Knicks (35*-21) drive into the paint looked like a LaMelo Ball driver\u2019s ed video. Tonight, they hope for better results when they host the Houston Rockets (34-20) at the Mecca.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s third tier. Ime Udoka\u2019s 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\u2014because defense.)<\/p>\n
All-Star internet troll Kevin Durant averages 25.8 points per game and shoots 40% from three in his umpteenth season. Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn 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.<\/p>\n
Their starting five is expected to feature Thompson, Tari Eason (12.2 PPG), Smith, \u015eeng\u00fcn, 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.<\/p>\n
ESPN gives New York a 60% chance to win. Okie dokie. Unfortunately, the Knicks have as many personalities as KD has burner accounts\u2014you 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?<\/p>\n
Best case scenario, New York wins with authority, regains our confidence, and has a smooth flight to Chicago for tomorrow\u2019s tilt with the Bulls. Worst case scenario? Imagine that and pull it back a few notches\u2014that\u2019s our prediction. Knicks lose by less than ten.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 * Should be one more, but the commish is a jerk.<\/p>\n
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: ABC
Follow: @ptknicksblog<\/a> and bsky<\/a><\/p>\n